The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has extended the deadline for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit its survey report on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex in Dhar district. Originally mandated to be completed by July 2, the nearly three-month-long survey of the disputed 11th-century monument, a point of contention between Hindus and Muslims, will now be submitted by July 15.

The ASI requested the extension on the final day, asking for an additional four weeks to finalize the report.

In its plea, the ASI argued that the Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) had requested three weeks to analyze the extensive data gathered from the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Geographic Information System (GIS) survey of the medieval-era structure. The ASI sought this additional time to allow NGRI to thoroughly study the data and prepare a comprehensive final report.

On Thursday, the bench comprising Justice Sushruta Arvind Dharmadhikari and Duppala Venkata Ramana expressed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had already been granted sufficient time. Despite the ASI's counsel reiterating their plea for an extension, the bench mandated that the complete survey report of the Bhojshala-Kamal Moula Masjid complex must be submitted to the court by July 15, with copies provided to all involved parties. During the proceedings, the ASI informed the court that it had finished surveying the premises.

Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, representing the Muslim side, urged the ASI to confirm in court that no additional excavation would occur on the disputed premises following the survey.

ASI's counsel Himanshu Joshi clarified that while no excavation was presently underway within the complex, efforts were being made to level the ground to prevent rainwater from damaging the monument.

The high court scheduled the next hearing on July 22 to continue proceedings on the matter.

The Bhojshala complex is a site of significant dispute, viewed differently by the Hindu and Muslim communities. Hindus regard it as a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), whereas Muslims refer to it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, responding to an application by the 'Hindu Front for Justice', directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on March 11 to conduct a thorough scientific survey of the complex. This survey commenced on March 22 and concluded recently.

A pivotal order issued by the ASI on April 7, 2003, regulates access to the monument amidst ongoing controversies. Under this order, Hindus are permitted to worship at Bhojshala every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer Friday prayers there. The arrangement, upheld for 21 years, has been challenged by the Hindu Front for Justice in their petition.