ASI Survey Of Bhojshala Set To Begin Tomorrow, Here's Why Places Of Worship Act Does Not Apply On The Disputed Site

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to begin the scientific investigation of Bhojshala on Friday (22 March) following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order.

In a letter written to Indore and Dhar authorities, Additional Director General (ADG) of ASI, Prof Alok Tripathi requested to provide safe access to the site to conduct the survey.

On 11 March, the Indore High Court ordered a 'multi-disciplinary scientific survey' of the complex that comprises Bhojshala temple and Kamal Maula mosque.

The aim is to 'ascertain the true character, nature and form' of the disputed site as the Hindu Front had sought a stay on offering namaz at the site and allowing continuous pujas.

Currently, Hindus perform puja here on Tuesdays and Muslims offer namaz on Fridays, as per an ASI order. This arrangement has been in force since April 2003, Times of India reported.

However, on the Hindu side's petition, the High Court allowed survey using GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), GPS, excavation and dating methods and a five-member committee of ASI members was formed.

"This committee will be headed by the Director or the Additional Director of ASI and a report needs to be submitted before the court within six weeks," Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said.

He explained that the Places of Worship Act of 1991 does not apply here because it is an ASI-protected monument and hence gets exemptions from the Act. The survey was allowed based on the Monuments Act 1958.

Bhojshala is an 11th-century ASI-protected monument and is considered a temple of Goddess Saraswati by Hindus. Disputes over the site have led to communal clashes in the past.