Legal Tug-of-War Over Bhojshala: Temple or Mosque?
The Muslim petitioners plan to contest a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling identifying Bhojshala as a Saraswati temple. They argue that the Archaeological Survey of India's survey, which the court relied upon, was flawed. The prayer rights at the complex, granted in 2003, have been revoked.
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The legal dispute over Bhojshala in Dhar district intensifies as Muslim petitioners vow to challenge the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. The High Court recently declared the historic structure to be a Saraswati temple, which has sparked controversy and dissatisfaction among the Muslim community.
Ashar Warsi, representing the Muslim petitioners, criticized the scientific survey conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), upon which the court based its decision. Warsi labeled the survey as 'flawed' and argued that the case's contested facts warranted a civil court hearing rather than being addressed under Article 226.
The ruling reversed a 2003 ASI order permitting Muslims to conduct prayers on Fridays. While Hindu petitioner Jitendra Singh 'Vishen' has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, the Muslim side is hopeful for a favorable reevaluation that would restore their right to offer namaz at the site.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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