Lawyers’ strike delays crucial Bhojshala hearing:Next hearing now scheduled on February 18

The scheduled hearing in the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex dispute in Dhar district could not take place on Monday due to a statewide lawyers’ strike called in protest against the killing of an advocate in Shivpuri. The matter will now be heard on February 18. The case came up before the Division Bench of the Indore High Court comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi. The hearing was significant as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was expected to submit its 98-day scientific survey report in compliance with the Supreme Court’s January 22 order. Hindu side: claims temple evidence in survey Petitioner Ashish Goyal stated that the plea was originally filed in 2022 by Hindu Front for Justice, seeking full rights of the Hindu community over Bhojshala and recognition of its original religious character. He said an interim application was filed on February 5, 2024, demanding a scientific survey by the ASI. Following court directions, the survey and excavation were conducted between March 22 and June 2024. According to Goyal, several archaeological findings related to Hindu deities were recovered during excavation. He claimed this establishes that Bhojshala was originally a temple of Maa Mahasaraswati established by Raja Bhoj and functioned as a Gurukul. He added that they will continue to participate in the legal process and present its arguments during the next hearing on February 18. Muslim side: survey conducted illegally, objections raised Representing the Muslim side, representative of Kamal Maula Mosque Abdul Samad said the Supreme Court had directed that existing conditions along with pending petitions and writ appeals be taken into consideration. He stated that they have emphasized that their earlier petitions and appeals must be heard first. Samad alleged that the 2024 ASI survey was conducted unlawfully. He claimed that since 2003, objections have been raised regarding alleged irregularities and activities inside the premises. According to him, materials that were not originally part of the site should not have been included in the survey findings. He said multiple FIRs and cases are pending in connection with these objections. The Muslim side has informed the court that the materials presented in the report do not belong to the original structure. Samad added that once the ASI report is formally received, they will examine it in detail and, if necessary, file legal objections. He reiterated that their pending petitions must be addressed before further proceedings. Crucial hearing ahead With both sides maintaining firm positions, all eyes are now on February 18. The High Court’s consideration of the ASI survey report and the objections raised by both parties is expected to play a key role in determining the future course of the long-standing Bhojshala dispute.