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HC Orders ASI to Share Bhojshala Survey Videography With All Parties

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the Archaeological Survey of India to provide complete videography of its extensive survey of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex to all involved parties by April 27. The survey, conducted over 98 days, produced a detailed report of over 2,000 pages documenting artefacts and inscriptions. The site is contested, with Hindus viewing it as a temple to Goddess Saraswati and Muslims as the Kamal Maula mosque. The court's directive aims to ensure transparency and equal access to evidence for both sides in the long-standing dispute.

Key Points: HC Orders ASI to Share Bhojshala Survey Footage in Dhar Dispute

  • Court orders ASI to share survey footage
  • 98-day survey with 2000-page report
  • Site claimed as temple and mosque
  • Videography key for legal arguments
  • Ruling ensures evidence access
2 min read

Make survey videography available to all parties: HC orders in Bhojshala case

Madhya Pradesh High Court directs ASI to provide complete videography of Bhojshala survey to all parties by April 27, ensuring transparency.

"ensuring transparency and equal access to evidence for both Hindu and Muslim stakeholders - Madhya Pradesh High Court"

Indore, April 23

The long-standing dispute over the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar has taken a significant turn with the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordering the Archaeological Survey of India to provide complete videography of its extensive survey to all parties involved.

The directive, issued on Thursday during ongoing hearings by a bench of Justice Vijay Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi, requires the ASI to make the footage available by April 27, ensuring transparency and equal access to evidence for both Hindu and Muslim stakeholders.

The survey, which lasted 98 days, was conducted using multiple scientific techniques and produced a detailed report of more than 2,000 pages, including photographs of artefacts, carvings, and inscriptions discovered at the site.

The Bhojshala complex has long been a contested monument. Hindus believe it to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims identify it as the Kamal Maula mosque.

This dual claim has fuelled decades of legal and social disputes.

The ASI's survey was ordered to establish the historical character of the site, and its findings are now central to the arguments being presented in court.

The Hindu side has pointed to the presence of idols, trishuls, and carvings as evidence of temple remains, while the Muslim side has emphasised historical records and land documents that describe the site as a mosque.

During earlier hearings, the Muslim side had demanded access to the videography, arguing that without it they could not adequately challenge the ASI's conclusions.

Although the Supreme Court declined to intervene directly, the High Court has now ruled that the footage must be shared with all parties.

The ASI initially expressed difficulty in providing such a large volume of material, given that videography was conducted daily over the course of the survey. However, the court directed that technical means be used to ensure timely delivery.

Two parties have already presented their arguments, and the ASI has defended its methodology.

The Muslim side reiterated its demand for the footage, which the court has now upheld.

With this order, the videography is expected to become a crucial element in shaping the next phase of hearings. Both sides will rely on the footage to substantiate their claims, making it a decisive factor in the resolution of this sensitive dispute.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
A 98-day survey with over 2000 pages of report... that's extensive. Sharing the videography is the only fair way forward. Hope this brings some clarity and paves the way for a peaceful resolution.
R
Rohit P
Finally! Justice should be blind and based on evidence. If the ASI's findings are robust, they should have no issue sharing the raw footage. The truth about our heritage must come out.
P
Priyanka N
While transparency is good, I hope this doesn't lead to further delays. These disputes have gone on for decades. The court must ensure the process is not misused for procrastination. A time-bound resolution is needed.
V
Vikram M
The carvings and idols speak volumes about the site's original character. The videography will only reinforce what is already evident to anyone who visits. Our history is being documented, finally.
K
Karthik V
A balanced and sensible order. The ASI's initial reluctance was concerning. In the digital age, sharing such data should be straightforward. Let's hope this move builds trust in the judicial process.

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