The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Bhojshala case on Wednesday, August 12, concerning the historical site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district. The hearing will take place on five petitions filed by representatives of the Muslim community challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore Bench verdict on the religious status of Bhojshala.

The matter was earlier listed for August 5 and 6, but the hearing could not take place on those dates.

Challenge to High Court Verdict

On May 15, 2026, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared Bhojshala to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and permitted Hindus to conduct daily worship at the site.

Muslim representatives have challenged the verdict before the Supreme Court through five separate petitions. The petitions seek relief against the High Court's order and raise concerns over the arrangements for Muslim worship at the disputed site.

Supreme Court's July 14 Order

The Supreme Court had passed an interim order in the matter on July 14. The court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to arrange an alternative vacant location near Bhojshala where members of the Muslim community could offer Friday prayers.

Following the order, the district administration held discussions with representatives of the Muslim community. Officials proposed using vacant land near the Chalis Peer Dargah for Friday prayers and also prepared the site for the purpose.

However, Muslim representatives objected to the arrangement, arguing that the proposed location was too far from Bhojshala. They maintained that the Supreme Court's direction required an alternative prayer site immediately adjoining Bhojshala.

Prayers Shifted to Khasra 612

Following the objections, the matter was taken back to the Supreme Court. The administration subsequently identified land bearing Khasra No. 612, located behind and to the right side of Bhojshala, as the designated place for Friday prayers.

Muslim community members have offered Friday prayers at this location for the past two Fridays. Security arrangements have been put in place by the district administration during the prayers, and both gatherings were held peacefully.

The administration also carried out preparations at the site before allowing the prayers.

August 14 Prayer Arrangements

The Supreme Court's Wednesday hearing assumes significance as August 14 falls on a Friday, immediately after the hearing.

The district administration may have to review the arrangements for Friday prayers depending on the directions issued by the Supreme Court on August 12.

For now, the next course of action regarding Friday prayers will depend on the court's directions.

Case Closely Watched

The Bhojshala dispute has remained a sensitive matter involving competing religious claims over the historical site. The Supreme Court's interim directions have so far focused on maintaining arrangements for Friday prayers while the broader legal challenge to the High Court verdict remains pending.

The proceedings on Wednesday are therefore expected to be closely watched by both communities as well as the local administration.