The story so far: On March 22, the 13th century Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district became the latest site for a “scientific survey” by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The action followed the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling which had, on March 11, ordered the ASI to conduct a survey of the premises within six weeks. The complex is contested by Hindus and Muslims as the Vagdevi temple and Kamal Maula Masjid, respectively.
What has the Supreme Court said?
Even as a 15-member ASI team along with the district administration and local police began the survey of the entire complex, the Supreme Court issued a word of caution on April 1. A Bench presided over by Justice Hrishikesh Roy said no physical excavation that would alter the character of the premises should be carried out. The court’s cautionary note followed the mosque’s appeal against the High Court order. The top court also ordered that no further action should be taken on the outcome of the excavation without its permission.
