MP High Court Judges to Personally Inspect Disputed Bhojshala Site

Judges from the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court have ordered a personal inspection of the disputed Bhojshala site before the next hearing. The bench, comprising Justices Vijay Shukla and Alok Awasthi, made the order while hearing objections to the Archaeological Survey of India's detailed survey report. The Supreme Court has directed the lower court to hear and decide the matter as expeditiously as possible. The next hearing in this decades-old dispute is scheduled for April 2.

Key Points: MP High Court to Personally Visit Bhojshala Site Before Hearing

  • Court orders personal site inspection
  • No others permitted during visit
  • Next hearing set for April 2
  • ASI survey report under review
  • Supreme Court mandated expedited hearing
2 min read

Bhojshala case: MP High Court judges to personally visit disputed site

Judges of the Indore Bench will conduct a personal inspection of the disputed Bhojshala site before the next hearing on April 2.

"the bench will visit the site personally before the next date of hearing - High Court Order"

Indore, March 16

Judges of the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court will personally visit the disputed Bhojshala site before the next hearing in the matter.

The division bench made it clear that it intends to conduct a "personal inspection" of the disputed site prior to the next hearing.

In its order, the court explicitly stated that the bench will visit the site personally before the next date of hearing and that no other individuals will be permitted to accompany the judges during the inspection.

The bench, comprising Justice Vijay Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi, made the observation while outlining the next steps in the case.

The judges further observed that the Supreme Court has already issued a clear directive for the expeditious disposal of the matter.

Quoting the apex court's mandate in the order, the bench noted that the Supreme Court has directed that the matter be heard and decided as expeditiously as possible.

The next date of hearing has been fixed for April 2.

During the proceedings held on Monday, the division bench heard detailed suggestions and objections submitted by both the petitioners and the respondents on the comprehensive report prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

It was also recorded that five related petitions are being heard together in this batch.

Recalling its earlier order dated February 23, the court had directed all parties to file their objections, opinions, suggestions and recommendations on the ASI survey report within two weeks.

The ASI had carried out a detailed scientific investigation and survey of the entire complex over a period of 100 days, commencing on March 22, 2024.

The bench further recorded in its order that the Supreme Court, on January 22, had directed the Indore Bench to take up the hearing within three weeks.

During the previous proceedings, the court had observed that the sealed survey report had already been opened and copies furnished to all parties, rendering any further opening of the document before the court unnecessary.

The development marks a significant step in the decades-old dispute, with the court now set to examine the ASI findings on the ground after hearing the parties' submissions.

The judges' personal visit is expected to provide greater clarity before the matter proceeds further.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Finally some concrete progress. The ASI survey took 100 days, so the findings must be detailed. The judges visiting alone, without any entourage, is the right way to ensure an unbiased view. Hoping for a peaceful and just conclusion to this long-pending issue.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the court's thoroughness, I worry these site visits can sometimes become symbolic rather than substantive. The ASI report should be the primary evidence. The focus must remain on the archaeological facts, not political or emotional narratives.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's impressive to see the Indian judiciary taking such a hands-on approach. Visiting the site personally shows great commitment to understanding the case fully. Hope this sets a precedent for handling other sensitive historical disputes with care.
V
Vikram M
Good decision. Jaanch pehchan (inspection and recognition) by their own eyes is important for such matters. The ASI has done its job, now the honourable judges will do theirs. Let's trust the process and maintain peace in Dhar. 🤞
K
Kriti O
The timeline is tight with the next hearing on April 2. The court is clearly following the Supreme Court's directive to not delay. This is how the justice system should work - efficiently, especially for cases that have been dragging for decades.

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