Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): The Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) will continue the survey work at dispute Bhojshala site, as the Supreme Court, on Friday, dismissed a new petition filed against the survey.
The petition, this time filed by Qazi Moinuddin, the mutawalli (caretaker) of Kamal Maula Masjid, sought to halt the survey. However, the Supreme Court refused to hear the matter, directing the petitioner to approach the High Court instead.
The petition was in response to an interim order by the Indore High Court directing the ASI to conduct the survey. Since the petitioner was not a party in the High Court, the Supreme Court did not entertain the petition, emphasising that the petitioner must seek redressal in the High Court.
Earlier, on Monday, the Supreme Court had declined to impose a ban on the ASI survey, dismissing the plea by Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society of Dhar. The court stipulated that no action should be taken based on the survey results without its permission. Furthermore, the court issued notices on a petition challenging the ASI's survey at Bhojshala.
Following arguments from the petitioner's lawyer, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Central Government, State Government, and ASI, instructing them to file their responses within four weeks. The court's order clarified that no action should be taken based on the survey report without its permission. Additionally, it prohibited any excavation during the survey that could alter the premises' character or nature.
ASI continues survey at Bhojshala amidst Ramzan
In the ongoing survey, at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) marked the 15th day of its operations with significant findings.
Amid third Friday of holy month of Ramzan, ASI team involved in survey work commenced work at 6 am, made notable discoveries before concluding their activities at noon, ahead of Friday prayers. They day witnessed a large gathering of Muslim devotees at the premises to offer Namaz.
ASI identifies 13 location
During the survey, ASI identified and marked 13 locations around the main building of Bhojshala for excavation. Presently, excavation work is concentrated at three sites. Advocate Ranjana Agnihotri, providing updates on the findings, mentioned the discovery of a pillar base on the western wall, which has been cleaned and examined. Additionally, the team uncovered stairs adjacent to the northern wall, hinting at the possibility of a basement below. Notably, a wall and three well-preserved stairs have also been unearthed.
The excavation process employs various tools including iron and plastic combs, brushes, brooms, shovels, and small pipes for washing and cleaning. Chemicals are also utilized to aid in the cleaning process.
