Bhojshala Dispute: Muslim Party Appeals to Supreme Court
Muslim party challenges HC order declaring Bhojshala a temple.
Top Summary
- What happened: A Muslim party, Qazi Moinuddin, has filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order declaring the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a temple.
- Why it matters: The case involves competing religious claims between Hindu and Muslim communities over a historically significant site. The HC ruling impacts religious practices.
- What changes: The High Court effectively prohibited Namaz at the site, overturning a previous ASI circular allowing both Hindu worship and Muslim prayers on different days.
- Who is affected: The Muslim community, particularly those who previously offered prayers at the Kamal Maula Mosque, and the Hindu community who consider the site a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).
Background of the Dispute
The long-standing dispute over the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, has escalated to the Supreme Court.
Qazi Moinuddin, an intervener in the High Court proceedings, filed a special leave petition (Diary No.32281/2026) against the recent judgment.
The complex is claimed by Hindus as a temple to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims claim it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.
High Court's Decision
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, on May 15, 2026, ruled that the disputed site is a temple.
This decision was based on a report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The High Court quashed a 2003 ASI circular that allowed both Hindu worship and Muslim prayers on different days.
Implications of the Ruling
The High Court's order effectively prohibits the offering of Namaz at the site.
"The plea challenges the High Court's findings concerning the character and usage of the disputed structure, contending that the order adversely affects the religious rights of the Muslim community."
The court granted the Muslim community the liberty to apply for an alternate site for a mosque in Dhar district.
Muslim Party's Arguments
Qazi Moinuddin's petition challenges the High Court's findings on the character and usage of the structure.
The petition contends that the order adversely affects the religious rights of the Muslim community.
What to Watch Next
The Supreme Court will now consider the special leave petition filed by Qazi Moinuddin. The court's decision will have significant implications for the future of the disputed site and the religious practices of both communities involved.