Supreme Court refuses to stay ASI's 'scientific survey' of Bhojshala complex in MP's Dhar

The Supreme Court has opted not to issue a stay on the “scientific survey” of the Bhojshala complex located in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. The decision stipulates that no action should be taken based on the results of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay ASI survey in the disputed spaces of Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Masjid of Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar. The top court took notice of the appeal against the judgment from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had mandated that the Archaeological Survey of India carry out an investigation into the controversial "Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Masjid."

According to news agency ANI, the Supreme Court issued an interim directive stating that, based on the survey's results, action should be performed without its consent. The apex court further said that no physical excavation should be done in the contested locations since it will alter the complex's nature.

Under an arrangement made by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja in the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays.

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and P K Mishra issued notices to the Centre, Madhya Pradesh government, ASI and others on the plea filed by Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society challenging the March 11 order of the MP High Court on scientific survey.

“It is made clear that no physical excavation should be taken which will change the character of the premises in question,” the bench said