MP High Court Recognises Bhojshala as Vagdevi Temple, Quashes 2003 Restrictions on Hindu Worship

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday delivered a landmark verdict recognising the centuries-old Bhojshala complex in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, commonly referred to as Vagdevi. The ruling effectively sets aside two decades of administrative arrangements that had allowed dual worship at the disputed site.

A division bench hearing five consolidated petitions concluded that archaeological evidence, historical records, and the Archaeological Survey of India's survey report collectively establish the religious character of the structure as a Hindu temple. The Court explicitly rejected the ASI's 2003 order that had denied Hindus the right to worship at the site.

Court Relies on ASI Survey, Ayodhya Precedent

The bench observed that evidence of a Sanskrit learning centre and a Saraswati temple had been found within the Bhojshala complex. Citing the Supreme Court's Ayodhya judgment, the High Court noted that every government bears responsibility for protecting ancient monuments of archaeological significance, including sanctums and idols associated with religious faith.

According to legal news portal Bar and Bench, the Court directed the Central government and the ASI to determine management protocols for the temple complex while maintaining its protected status under the 1958 Act.

Muslim Side Asked to Seek Separate Land

The verdict also quashed an earlier order that had granted Muslims the right to offer namaz at the complex. Dhar Shahar Qazi Waqar Sadiq told reporters that the Muslim side respects the judgment but will challenge it before the Supreme Court.

"We will review the detailed judgment and then approach the Supreme Court," Sadiq said. Senior advocates Salman Khurshid and Shobha Menon had represented the Muslim community during the hearings.

The Court has advised the Muslim side to request the government for alternative land to construct a mosque.

Heavy Security in Place Across Dhar

Administration officials moved quickly to prevent any law and order situation following the verdict. Dhar Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena and Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma inspected security arrangements inside the Bhojshala complex late Friday afternoon.

Around 1,200 police personnel from across the district have been deployed in Dhar city. Security has been organised in 12 layers, officials said. The Rapid Action Force and reserve police contingents remain on alert. Police also conducted flag marches through sensitive areas.

The Bhojshala complex remains sealed with barricades at the main gate, with a heavy police presence outside.

Background of the Long-Running Dispute

Since 2003, Hindus had been permitted to worship at the site every Tuesday and on Vasant Panchami, while Muslims were allowed to offer namaz on Fridays. The complex remained open to tourists on other days.

Tensions had flared in 2013 and 2016 when Vasant Panchami celebrations coincided with Friday prayers. The petitions before the High Court were originally filed in 2022 by Ranjana Agnihotri and others from Hindu Front for Justice, seeking determination of the site's religious character and full worship rights for the Hindu community.

The ASI conducted a 98-day scientific survey of the complex in 2024. In January 2026, the Supreme Court had permitted day-long worship on Vasant Panchami.

What Happens Next

The Hindu side has welcomed the verdict as historic. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said the Court has also directed the government to consider the Hindu community's request for repatriation of a Goddess Vagdevi idol currently housed in the British Museum.

The Muslim side is expected to file a Supreme Court appeal in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the administration has indicated it will maintain the current security posture until tensions ease.

Amit Jogi Jaggi Murder Case: HC Declares Him Mastermind, Awards Life Term

Chhattisgarh High Court has convicted Amit Jogi as the mastermind in the 2003 Ramavatar Jaggi murder case and sentenced him to life imprisonment, overturning the CBI special court’s 2007 acquittal order after 23 years.

High Court Overturns Acquittal  

A division bench led by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha rejected the trial court’s decision to acquit Amit Jogi while convicting 28 others. The bench termed the earlier order “illegal and ridiculous”, noting it defied the evidence on record.

Amit Jogi Named Mastermind  

The 78-page judgment held Amit Jogi as the “principal architect” of the conspiracy. The court observed that as the son of then Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, he possessed the influence and resources to orchestrate the killing and later manipulate the investigation.

Political Rivalry Triggered Killing  

The murder stemmed from deep political friction in 2003. Vidyacharan Shukla, upset over Ajit Jogi’s appointment as Chief Minister, quit Congress and joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He made Ramavatar Jaggi, a prominent businessman and close aide, the party treasurer ahead of Assembly elections. NCP’s aggressive rallies across Chhattisgarh, especially in Raipur, were seen as a direct challenge to the ruling Congress.

Hotel Meeting Key Evidence  

CBI’s 1,000-page charge sheet cited crucial testimony from Reginald Jeremiah, then director of Akash Channel. He told the court that on 21 May 2003, Amit Jogi held a meeting at Raipur’s Hotel Green Park and openly stated that Jaggi “had to be eliminated” to stop NCP’s momentum. Jeremiah said he was directed to pay Rs 5 lakh to the main shooter, Chiman Singh, in Kolkata.

Shooter Paid Rs 5 Lakh  

Investigations revealed Chiman Singh was an old acquaintance of Amit Jogi. Phone records, witness accounts from Hotel Green Park staff and CM House security personnel established repeated meetings before and after the crime. The court noted that arrangements for the shooter’s stay in Raipur were made by people close to Amit Jogi.

Fake Arrests Exposed in Probe  

The bench pointed out that police, allegedly in collusion with powerful elements, arranged the surrender of five fake accused to mislead the investigation. These individuals—Vinod Singh alias Badal, Shyam Sunder alias Anand Sharma, Jambvant Kashyap, Avinash Singh alias Lallan and Vishwanath Rajbhar—were later convicted but later acquitted. The High Court said such large-scale manipulation could not have occurred without high-level protection.

Appeal Pending in Supreme Court  

The murder took place on 4 June 2003 in Raipur’s Maudahapara area. Initial police theory of robbery quickly gave way to political murder allegations. CBI took over the probe after BJP’s Raman Singh government came to power later that year. The special court had awarded life sentences to several accused including shooter Chiman Singh, but spared Amit Jogi.  

The High Court verdict has now reopened the chapter. Amit Jogi has moved the Supreme Court against both the CBI’s appeal permission and the conviction order. Senior lawyers including Kapil Sibal, Mukul Rohatgi, Vivek Tankha and Siddharth Dave argued the matter on 20 April, claiming violation of natural justice principles. The apex court is expected to take up the case soon.

This development in the Amit Jogi Jaggi Murder Case has once again brought focus on political violence in the state and the long wait for justice in high-profile cases.