Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Friday sought a response from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regarding a series of petitions filed by members of the Jain community. The petitioners are seeking the right to worship and immediate protection for the idol of the 19th Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mallinath, located within the premises of the Jami Masjid in Bharuch.
During the hearing, the single bench of Justice Nisha Thakore pointed out that the ASI has a statutory obligation to safeguard and preserve ancient, historical monuments and archaeological sites of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The bench instructed the counsel representing the ASI to gather instructions based on the arguments presented by the petitioners. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on October 13.
Through their legal filings, the petitioners have requested that the 14th-century Jami Masjid, which is recognized by the ASI as a centrally protected monument, be officially declared as Ashvabodh Tirth Shakunika Vihar. Additionally, they are asking for authorization for followers of the Jain faith to conduct religious worship inside the structure, alongside an interim directive to seal and secure existing Jain religious symbols, artifacts, idols, and other heritage elements found at the location.
Representing the petitioners, counsel expressed apprehension that the idol could suffer damage and pointed to a precedent set by a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling in the Bhojshala case to argue for urgent interim measures. They claimed that the idol of Lord Mallinath rests inside a monument where various images and historical artifacts have already experienced damage.
In opposition to the push for immediate relief, the lawyer for the ASI maintained that the protected site has consistently been maintained in strict compliance with the provisions of the 1958 legislation. With the court now awaiting the official input of the ASI concerning the demands for worship access, artifact preservation, and site recognition, proceedings will resume on October 13.