The Madhya Pradesh High Court at Indore is taking an unprecedented step in the Bhojshala controversy by scheduling a personal inspection of the disputed premises. Justices Vijay Shukla and Alok Awasthi, leading the division bench, will tour the site solo before the April 2 hearing date.
This decision was detailed in the court’s order following Monday’s session, where arguments on the ASI’s exhaustive survey report dominated discussions. The bench firmly stated that the visit will occur without any external presence, prioritizing judicial independence.
Background to the case reveals a decades-long tussle over the site’s dual claim as a temple and mosque. The Supreme Court’s push for swift disposal has kept the momentum alive, with earlier orders mandating quick hearings.
The ASI’s 100-day probe, initiated on March 22 last year, produced a detailed report now under scrutiny. All five linked petitions are being heard together, with parties submitting their views as per the February 23 directive. The report, once sealed, is fully accessible to stakeholders.
Recalling the Supreme Court’s January 22 instructions, the bench noted the three-week hearing timeline. This site visit marks a crucial phase, potentially offering irrefutable evidence to sway outcomes.
As Dhar’s Bhojshala remains a flashpoint for Hindu and Muslim communities, the judges’ inspection could demystify claims and foster a fact-based verdict. Observers anticipate this hands-on approach will expedite justice in one of India’s most polarizing heritage disputes.