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MP High Court reserves Bhojshala case order; Muslim side questions ASI stand
The Indore bench reserved its order in the Bhojshala case after 36 days of hearings on the religious character of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex. Hindu petitioners argued for exclusive Hindu worship rights, while the Muslim side challenged the ASI findings. Earlier steps included a court-directed ASI survey in 2024 and years of heritage-status debates.
Why It Matters
The ruling could affect worship rights and management at a contested heritage site, and it tests how archaeological surveys inform legal decisions on religious character in India.
Timeline
8 Events
Hearing concludes; order reserved
May 12, 2026
After concluding arguments from all parties, the division bench reserved its order in the Bhojshala case.
Hearing in MP High Court begins
April 6, 2026
The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court began daily hearings on the Bhojshala case, with arguments heard over 36 days starting from April 6, 2026.
ASI completes Bhojshala survey
June 30, 2024
ASI completed the scientific survey of the Bhojshala site, reporting findings that the current structure incorporates parts of earlier temples.
ASI begins Bhojshala survey
March 22, 2024
ASI began the scientific survey at the one-acre Bhojshala site, with the survey conducted from March 22 to June 30, 2024.
High Court directs ASI to conduct scientific survey
March 11, 2024
The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala site.
Hindu Front for Justice moves court for scientific survey
2022
The Hindu Front for Justice moved the court in 2022 seeking a scientific survey to determine the religious character of Bhojshala.
1951 monument of national importance declared for Bhojshala complex
1951
Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex was declared a monument of national importance in 1951 under the 1951 Act.
1904 ASI report identifying Vagdevi idol
1904
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report from 1904 identified the idol of Vagdevi at Bhojshala; the idol is currently housed in the British Museum.