Kochi: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that the disputed 11th century historical site at Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh is a Temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Livelaw.in reported.
Considering multiple petitions concerning the site’s religious and historical character, a division bench quashed an order passed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2003 restricting the rights of Hindu to worship within the complex and allowing Muslims to offer namaz there.
However, in order to secure the religious rights of the Muslim community, the Court allowed them to submit an application for the allotment of suitable land within Dhar district for the construction of a mosque.
The Central government and the ASI have been directed to take over the administration and management of the Bhojshala temple and the Sanskrit learning within the property.
The court observed that in 2003, ASI allowed Hindus to perform puja on Tuesdays while allowing Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays.
One of the petitions staked claim on the site for the Hindu Community seeking to restrain Muslim Community from offering namaz.
The High Court ordered a
scientific survey of the site while the Supreme Court ordered temporary suspension of the survey.
Later, the apex court laid down a time-bound process to unseal the survey report, supply copies to parties, and consider their objections at the final hearing.
The High Court directed the ASI to upload the videographic record of the survey proceedings on a digital platform and provide access to the parties.
“Bhojshala is temple”: HC
