In a significant relief for senior medical officers in Madhya Pradesh, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has set aside the state government's order retiring Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani at the age of 62, ruling that he is entitled to continue in service until the age of 65.

Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt, while hearing the matter, held that Dr. Hasani falls within the category of medical officers eligible for the enhanced retirement age and directed that he be allowed to remain in service up to 65 years.

Retirement Order Challenged

Dr. Hasani had approached the High Court challenging the state government's order dated January 30, 2026, under which he was scheduled to retire on July 31, 2026, after attaining the age of 62.

In his petition, he argued that he had joined government service as a contractual Rural Medical Officer in 1999 and his services were regularised in 2005. He contended that he had continuously served in clinical healthcare before later being assigned administrative responsibilities, including the posts of Chief Block Medical Officer and CMHO.

Reference to Earlier Judgments

The petitioner maintained that the Madhya Pradesh government had already increased the retirement age of medical officers to 65 years to address the shortage of experienced doctors in public healthcare.

His counsel also relied on previous High Court judgments, including the case of Dr. Kantilal Sahu, where similarly placed medical officers were granted the benefit of the enhanced retirement age.

State Government's Stand

Opposing the petition, the state government argued that the benefit of retirement at 65 years is subject to specific conditions prescribed under the applicable service rules. According to the government, Dr. Hasani did not satisfy all the eligibility criteria required to claim the extended service period.

Court Recognises Continuous Medical Service

After examining the submissions from both sides, the High Court observed that Dr. Hasani had been rendering medical services continuously since 1999 and that the facts of his case were substantially similar to those decided in earlier judgments.

The court further noted that the government's decision to increase the retirement age of medical officers was intended to ensure the continued availability of experienced doctors in the state's healthcare system.

Holding that the January 30 retirement order was legally unsustainable, the court quashed the order and directed that Dr. Hasani be permitted to continue in service until he attains the age of 65.

Relief Granted

With the petition allowed, the High Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to take all necessary administrative steps to implement the order and ensure Dr. Hasani continues in service in accordance with the revised retirement age.

The ruling is expected to serve as an important precedent for similarly placed medical officers seeking the benefit of the state's enhanced retirement policy.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a strong warning to police officers over procedural lapses during arrests, observing that such negligence can allow accused persons to secure relief on technical grounds. In a significant order, the Gwalior Bench directed the state's Director General of Police (DGP) to issue a fresh circular within one month to all station house officers and investigating officers, reiterating mandatory legal procedures during arrests.

The Division Bench remarked that while some police personnel wear the uniform of law enforcement, their conduct appears to benefit criminals when mandatory legal procedures are ignored.

Court Stresses Compliance with Arrest Procedures

The bench observed that every person taken into custody must be provided with the written grounds of arrest, as required under law and judicial guidelines. It noted that failure to furnish these reasons could result in courts questioning the legality of an arrest and granting relief to accused persons on procedural grounds.

The court further observed that if investigating officers fail to provide written grounds of arrest, such conduct may be viewed as a deliberate act that benefits the accused rather than a mere procedural lapse.

Fresh Circular Ordered for Police Officials

Expressing concern over repeated violations despite existing instructions, the High Court directed the DGP to circulate fresh directions to all police stations and investigating officers across the state within a month.

The court said the circular should clearly instruct officers to strictly comply with legal requirements while making arrests to ensure that criminal cases are not weakened because of avoidable procedural errors.

Concern Over Non-Compliance Despite Earlier Instructions

During the hearing, the bench also expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of an earlier circular reportedly issued by the Police Headquarters (PHQ), Bhopal, on February 13, 2026, following directions of the Supreme Court.

According to the court, despite those instructions, investigating officers at the field level continue to arrest accused persons without adequately communicating the written grounds of arrest, exposing criminal prosecutions to legal challenges.

The bench observed that such lapses undermine the criminal justice system and may enable offenders to obtain relief due to technical deficiencies in police procedure.

Case Related to NDPS Arrest

The observations came while the court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Dharmendra Lodhi, who challenged the arrest of his brother in an NDPS case registered at Basai Police Station in Datia district.

The petitioner argued that the arrest was illegal because the police had allegedly failed to provide written grounds for taking the accused into custody.

However, after examining the case records, the Division Bench found that the police had served a written notice under Section 50 of the NDPS Act and recovered approximately 86.850 kilograms of cannabis from the accused.

Holding that the legal requirements applicable in the case had been complied with, the court dismissed the petition and refused to interfere with the arrest.

Strong Message to Law Enforcement

While rejecting the plea, the High Court used the opportunity to underline the importance of strict adherence to procedural safeguards during arrests.

The bench emphasised that the role of the police is to ensure effective prosecution of offenders while protecting the rights guaranteed under law. It cautioned that procedural negligence not only weakens investigations but also risks allowing accused persons to secure legal relief that could otherwise have been avoided through proper compliance.

The court's directions are expected to reinforce adherence to arrest procedures across Madhya Pradesh and strengthen accountability within the police force.

Indore bench issues notices to Centre and state government over PIL highlighting infrastructure deficit, shortage of teachers and alleged misuse of funds; next hearing on August 17

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a strict view of the state's ailing education system, issuing notices to the central and state governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) that highlights severe deficiencies in government schools across the state.

The division bench of Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Alok Awasthi, hearing the matter on Wednesday, directed both governments to file their responses by August 17.

The PIL was filed by social worker and advocate B.L. Jain from Sendhwa. Advocate Abhishek Tuganawat, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that the state's education system is in a deep crisis, with millions of students being denied even the basic facilities guaranteed under the Constitution and the Right to Education Act.

According to the petition, out of the sanctioned 2.89 lakh teaching posts in the state, 1.15 lakh positions remain vacant — nearly 40 per cent of the total sanctioned strength. The situation is so dire that 1,895 schools in the state do not have a single teacher posted.

Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report for 2025, the petition stated that out of 83,514 schools in the state, approximately 5,000 have dilapidated and unsafe buildings. Around 3,400 schools lack toilet facilities, while nearly 10,000 schools do not have electricity. Boundary walls are missing in 40,000 schools, and thousands of schools do not have access to clean drinking water. Several schools continue to operate in makeshift huts.

The petition further pointed out that more than 59,000 schools in the state do not have computer facilities, even as the government talks about digital education. Over the past decade, the number of students from Class 1 to Class 12 in government schools has declined by more than 22 lakh, even as the state's population has grown — a clear indicator of the declining trust in the government education system.

The petitioner also brought to the court's attention that the Supreme Court, in January 2026, had directed all government and private schools to ensure separate toilets for boys and girls and provide free sanitary pads for girl students. Despite these directives, many schools are yet to comply.

The PIL also raised the issue of alleged misuse of government funds, claiming that adequate expenditure is not being made on basic necessities like education and health, while large amounts are being spent on other heads. Corruption in construction and repair works was also flagged.

The court has sought responses from both governments by August 17, when the matter will be heard next.

In a significant ruling on matrimonial financial dependency, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected a Bhopal-based woman's petition seeking interim maintenance from her husband. The court observed that maintenance provisions are fundamentally designed to support a spouse in actual financial distress, rather than penalizing an estranged partner.

Invoking William Shakespeare’s classic play The Merchant of Venice, a single-judge bench of Justice Vivek Jain remarked that the woman's financial demand appeared to be an attempt to extract "a pound of flesh" from the husband, which the court could not permit under the law.

The High Court passed the order while upholding an earlier ruling by a Bhopal Family Court, which had flatly dismissed the woman's plea for interim alimony and litigation expenses during the pendency of their divorce proceedings.

Income of ₹1.25 Lakh Per Month Deemed Sufficient

The couple married on November 4, 2022, but separated within a year in 2023. Following their estrangement, the husband moved the Family Court seeking a divorce, prompting the wife to file an application for interim financial assistance.

On February 18, 2026, the Family Court ruled that the woman was not entitled to maintenance while the divorce suite was contested. Challenging this decision in the High Court, the woman argued that her financial situation had deteriorated. She disclosed that while she previously earned an annual package of nearly ₹20 lakh—compared to her husband’s declared income of over ₹30 lakh—her current yearly earnings had dropped to approximately ₹14 lakh, making her eligible for spousal support.

However, upon evaluating her salary slips and employment records, the High Court noted that her current monthly take-home income sits comfortably at around ₹1.25 lakh, translating to roughly ₹14.81 lakh per annum.

No Children, Minor Income Disparity

Dismissing the plea, the bench underlined that the woman’s salary is objectively sufficient to maintain a standard of living comparable to her matrimonial life. The court highlighted key factual parameters dictating its stance:

• No Dependents: The couple does not have any children from their brief marriage, eliminating any additional childcare costs.

• Comparable Financial Standing: The income disparity between the husband and wife is not massive or disproportionate enough to trigger an economic dependency argument.

The High Court reiterated that the statutory goal of maintenance is to prevent destitution and offer a safety net to an economically weaker partner. It clarified that the law cannot be leveraged to provide an unfair financial advantage to a spouse who is already highly skilled, gainfully employed, and completely self-reliant.

Concluding that the Family Court’s initial assessment was legally sound, Justice Jain’s bench dismissed the revision petition, confirming that independent income of this bracket invalidates claims of financial vulnerability.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday vacated the interim stay on an arrest warrant issued against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee, paving the way for the execution of the warrant issued by the Bhopal MP-MLA Court.

The case stems from an alleged defamatory remark made by Banerjee during an election rally in Kolkata in November 2020. According to the complaint, Banerjee referred to BJP leader Akash Vijayvargiya as a “goon” while addressing a public gathering. Claiming that the statement damaged his reputation, Vijayvargiya filed a defamation complaint before the MP-MLA Court in Bhopal in 2021.

Following the filing of the complaint, judicial proceedings began in the lower court. During the course of the trial, the court directed Banerjee to appear before it. However, after repeated instances of non-appearance, the MP-MLA Court issued an arrest warrant against the TMC leader.

Banerjee subsequently approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court challenging the warrant. In his petition, he argued that he is an elected Member of Parliament and posed no risk of absconding. He also contended that the trial court had not adequately considered his application seeking exemption from personal appearance.

Taking these submissions into account, the High Court had earlier granted interim protection and stayed the execution of the arrest warrant. However, during the latest hearing, the court noted that despite being provided sufficient opportunity, there was no effective representation on behalf of the petitioner.

As a result, the High Court withdrew the interim relief and lifted the stay order. With this development, the arrest warrant issued by the Bhopal MP-MLA Court has become enforceable once again.

Defamation Case Background

The dispute traces back to a political speech delivered during an election campaign in West Bengal. Akash Vijayvargiya, BJP leader and son of senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, alleged that Banerjee’s remarks were defamatory and harmed his public image.

The complaint was filed under relevant provisions dealing with defamation, and the matter has been under judicial consideration for several years.

Legal Implications

Legal experts believe the High Court’s decision does not amount to a finding on the merits of the defamation allegations. Instead, it relates to procedural compliance and Banerjee’s failure to effectively pursue his challenge against the warrant.

With the stay now removed, authorities may proceed in accordance with the directions of the trial court. Banerjee retains the option of seeking further legal remedies before a higher judicial forum.

Anticipatory bail rejected a day earlier; husband Samarth Singh on CBI remand till May 29

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers on Thursday questioned retired judge Giribala Singh for over six hours at her residence in the Kolar Hills area, as her arrest in the Twisha Sharma death case appeared imminent.

The questioning began around 10:30 am, barely 24 hours after the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled her anticipatory bail in a late-night order. Sources familiar with the matter said the former judge was being confronted with digital evidence and forensic reports.

Heavy Security, Barricades Outside Residence

The retired judge’s house has been virtually sealed. Personnel from the Kolar Hills and Bag Sevania police stations have been deployed outside, and barricades have been put up around the property. Officials from both police stations were also seen entering the premises.

According to local authorities, the heavy security is a precautionary measure to manage the growing crowd of onlookers and media personnel that has gathered in the upscale locality.

3D Camera Used to Map Crime Scene

Investigators brought a high-intensity 3D camera inside the house to conduct a 360-degree forensic mapping of the entire premises. The technology is typically used to prepare scientific evidence for court.

Initial reports indicate that the camera was also positioned on the balcony to scan neighbouring rooftops and terraces. The CBI is trying to determine whether the spot where Twisha died was visible from any adjoining property.

What the High Court Said

In a strongly worded 17-page order issued late Wednesday, the High Court noted that the lower court had failed to properly examine the case diary and evidence. The court observed that multiple injury marks were found on the body, which the accused side could not explain satisfactorily.

“The trial court did not consider the seriousness of the case. It was not appropriate to grant relief to the accused,” the order stated, according to legal sources.

The court also took note of WhatsApp chats that allegedly show the mother-in-law and husband pressuring Twisha over her character and demanding an abortion.

Husband on CBI Remand Till May 29

Meanwhile, Twisha’s husband Samarth Singh remains in CBI custody after the agency was granted his remand until May 29. Officials are questioning him about the sequence of events on the night of May 12, when Twisha died under suspicious circumstances at their home.

Investigators are also looking into his ten-day disappearance. Police have confirmed that Singh had switched off his mobile phone and hid in Jabalpur while on the run. “He kept changing locations and avoided direct contact with people,” an official said.

The Case So Far

Twisha Sharma, an actress and model who had worked with several multinational brands and appeared in two Telugu films, died on the night of May 12. While her in-laws have maintained it was a suicide, her family has alleged murder.

A second post-mortem was conducted by a team from Delhi AIIMS at the Bhopal AIIMS on May 24. The final report, including histopathology and viscera analysis, is still awaited. Her last rites were performed later that evening at the Bhadbhada crematorium.

What Happens Next

With the CBI team expected to leave the residence at any time, officials said a medical examination will likely precede a formal arrest. The agency is also examining call detail records and CCTV footage from the area.

The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter on May 25, with the Chief Justice expressing concern over questions being raised about the judiciary’s impartiality. For now, all eyes remain on the Kolar Hills residence, where a former judge’s fate hangs in the balance.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has re-registered the case against the deceased model's husband and her mother-in-law, a retired judge, following a delayed police medical report.

A district court in Bhopal is scheduled to hear two separate applications on Tuesday seeking the preservation of critical electronic evidence, including Call Detail Records (CDR) and CCTV footage, in connection with the death of former actress and model Twisha Sharma.

The hearing comes amid a massive escalation in the high-profile case, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officially taking over the probe and registering a fresh FIR against Twisha’s husband, Samarth Singh, and her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, who is a retired judge. The federal agency's FIR explicitly acknowledges severe allegations of physical harassment and monetary dowry demands.

Court Defers Initial Hearing

The matter was originally placed before the district court on Monday, but the proceedings had to be adjourned. The Bhopal Police failed to submit their required status report on time, prompting the court to grant additional time to the local investigators.

According to legal sources, advocate Ankur Pandey, representing Twisha’s grieving family, moved the plea to secure and freeze all relevant telecommunication logs. Interestingly, a separate application was moved on behalf of the accused mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, requesting the court to ensure that CCTV footage from around the residence is preserved. Both sides have stated that securing this data is vital to prevent tampering or technical data loss as the trial shapes up.

CBI Steps in Upgrading Case

The investigation shifted gears dramatically after a specialized CBI team arrived in Bhopal on Monday night. The agency formally took over the case docket from the Katara Hills police station, re-registering the FIR under stringent sections pertaining to dowry death and matrimonial cruelty.

Timeline of Key Events (May 2026)

May 12, 09:41 PM : Last WhatsApp call from Twisha to her family; shouting heard.

May 12, 10:20 PM : Estimated time of death by hanging at Bagh Mugalia home.

May 12, 10:35 PM : Mother-in-law answers family's call, stating "She is no more."

May 13, 05:00 AM : AIIMS Bhopal formally logs Medico-Legal Case (MLC).

May 24 (Sunday)  : AIIMS Delhi team performs a rare second post-mortem.

May 25 (Monday)  : CBI officially files FIR; SIT questions accused for 2.5 hours.

Initial findings by the local police during the preliminary inquiry revealed prima facie evidence of sustained mental and physical torture linked to an additional demand of ₹20 lakh. This finding formed the core basis for the CBI’s aggressive intervention.

Twisha Death Case Discrepancies Under Lens

A central focus of the federal probe is an unexplained seven-hour delay in informing law enforcement. While forensic analysis suggests Twisha died by hanging at her Bagh Mugalia Extension residence at approximately 10:20 PM on May 12, the formal medico-legal case (MLC) was only logged by AIIMS Bhopal at 5:00 AM the following morning.

Twisha’s family has repeatedly alleged that the delay was intentional. They claim that Samarth Singh—a practicing criminal lawyer—returned to the house after she was declared dead at the hospital specifically to clean the crime scene and alter physical evidence. The CBI is slated to question the attending doctors at AIIMS who initially registered the emergency case.

Late-Night Interrogations Conducted

Ground realities in Bhopal remained tense as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) flanked by forensic experts raided Samarth Singh’s residence in Bagh Mugalia Extension at around 7:30 PM on Monday.

Both Samarth and his mother, Giribala Singh, were subjected to intense custodial questioning lasting over two and a half hours. Investigators subsequently conducted a detailed spot verification of the room where the 33-year-old former model was found. The initial short post-mortem report from AIIMS noted the cause of death as "ante-mortem hanging" but crucially flagged multiple minor blunt force injuries on other parts of her body, contradicting the outright suicide claims made by the in-laws.

Supreme Court Intervenes Directly

The legal battle has simultaneously reached the highest judicial corridors. The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued an urgent notice to the retired judge following petitions filed by the state government and Twisha’s father, Navnidhi Sharma, challenging the anticipatory bail granted to her by a lower trial court.

In New Delhi, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter on Monday. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that the accused party was actively leveraging local influence to obstruct the ongoing investigation. Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed deep concern over attempts to weaponize public narratives against the judiciary's independence, strongly urging both the defense and prosecution to refrain from making inflammatory public statements.

Meanwhile, following a rare second autopsy conducted by a specialized team flown in from AIIMS Delhi, Twisha’s body was finally cremated at the Bhadbhada crematorium on Sunday, where her brother, Major Harshit, performed her last rites.

Madhya Pradesh HC recognises Bhojshala as Vagdevi temple; devotees hold prayers

High Court partly quashes 2003 ASI order, Hindu groups regain right to worship at Bhojshala; Hanuman Chalisa recited after verdict

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Saturday recognised the disputed Bhojshala–Kamal Maula complex in Dhar as the temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati) dating to the Bhoj-Parmar era, and granted the Hindu side the right to worship at the site, leading to early-morning prayers and celebrations by devotees.

Verdict and immediate response
According to court records made public on Saturday, the bench based its ruling on historical material indicating the site’s origin in the period of King Bhoj of the Bhoj-Parmar dynasty. The court also partially quashed an April 7, 2003, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order that had permitted the Muslim community to offer namaz at the site for a fixed period on Fridays, lawyers involved in the case said.

Following the verdict, office-bearers and members of local Bhojshala committees reached the complex in Dhar on Saturday morning under tight security. “All office bearers reached near the Yagya Kund, had darshan and recited the Hanuman Chalisa,” an organiser said. Committee convener Gopal Sharma and other officials offered flowers and performed rituals at the sanctum sanctorum of Maa Vagdevi. Officials also distributed sweets to mark the development.

Legal and administrative notes
ASI lawyer Aviral Vikas Khare told reporters the monument’s protected status remains intact. The ASI has maintained Bhojshala as a protected monument since 1904, and the court reiterated that complete administration, regulation and supervision of the structure will continue to rest solely with the ASI, the lawyer said.

Hindu counsel Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represented petitioners seeking worship rights, welcomed the judgment. He said the court had partially stayed the 2003 ASI direction and recognised the site as a temple, thereby restoring worship rights. Jain added that the court considered a demand to return an original idol of Vagdevi currently held in a museum in London, though he did not detail the bench’s direction on that specific point.

Ground-level scene
Local residents and pilgrims described a calm, orderly atmosphere at the heritage complex in the late morning. Devotees said they finally had an opportunity to perform rituals without restrictions. “Every particle of Bhojshala indicates that it is a temple,” Gopal Sharma told reporters after performing darshan near the Yagya Kund.

Security and civic monitoring
Dhar city authorities mounted tight security around the Bhojshala complex on Saturday, with local police and district officials monitoring the situation, officials said. Sources familiar with administration plans said additional deployments remained in place to pre-empt any untoward incidents and to ensure peaceful observance by both communities.

Potential Supreme Court action
While celebrations took place among Hindu groups, legal counsels on both sides signalled the possibility of further litigation. The Hindu side has filed two caveat petitions in the Supreme Court, anticipating challenges by the Muslim side, Vishnu Shankar Jain said. There was no immediate confirmation from lawyers representing the Muslim side about whether they would seek a review or approach the apex court.

Historical context
Bhojshala, located in Dhar district, is a complex of medieval structures long associated with King Bhoj (11th–12th century) and has been at the centre of competing claims over religious use. The site has attracted attention from historians and archaeologists for inscriptions and carvings linked to Sanskrit learning and temple architecture, while also being used for religious activities by multiple communities over decades.

Public reaction and outlook
Local civic leaders urged calm and respect for the ASI’s administrative role. “The court has set the legal position today; administration will continue under ASI,” an assistant district magistrate said. Officials said they would hold meetings in coming days with community representatives to ensure worship and access proceed without friction.

For now, the most visible change is at the ground level: devotees offering prayers, rituals conducted peacefully, and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa in the complex stands as the immediate public expression of the court’s ruling. How the decision evolves through further appeals or administrative directions will determine the long-term status of Bhojshala.

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.

Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have intensified security arrangements ahead of the expected verdict in the long-pending Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute in Dhar. The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court is likely to pronounce its decision on Friday after hearings on multiple petitions and intervention applications concluded earlier this month.

The development has become one of the biggest India News Update stories in the state because of the religious sensitivity associated with the Bhojshala complex. Administration officials in both Dhar and Indore districts have been placed on high alert, while police and reserve forces have been deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order. Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena and Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma visited the Bhojshala premises early Friday to review security arrangements. Officials inspected deployment points and monitored the situation inside and outside the disputed complex before leaving the area.

Police personnel have been stationed across the Bhojshala premises and surrounding localities. Authorities said special precautions were necessary because Friday coincides with Jumma prayers traditionally offered by members of the Muslim community at the site under the existing arrangement. Officials confirmed that nearly 1,200 police personnel from across the district have been deployed for security duty. Dhar city has reportedly been divided into 12 security layers to ensure complete monitoring of sensitive areas and quick response in case of any disturbance.

Senior police officials reviewed preparations at the district control room and instructed security teams to remain vigilant throughout the day. Reserve police forces and Rapid Action Force personnel have also been kept on standby. The administration appealed to residents of all communities to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours or unverified information. Authorities said strict monitoring of social media platforms is underway and legal action would be taken against anyone found posting inflammatory or misleading content.

Meanwhile, members associated with Hindu organisations gathered near the Bhojshala premises and recited Hanuman Chalisa at nearby temples. Officials maintained close surveillance to ensure that religious activities remained peaceful and within permitted limits. The Bhojshala dispute has remained one of the most sensitive religious and legal issues in Madhya Pradesh for several years. The latest legal proceedings began in 2022 when petitioner Ranjana Agnihotri and others, representing Hindu Front for Justice, approached the High Court seeking declaration of the site’s religious character and full rights for Hindu worship.

The petition demanded uninterrupted पूजा and regular worship rights for Hindus at the Bhojshala complex. It also sought restrictions on namaz within the premises, formation of a trust for management of the site and the return of the idol of Goddess Vagdevi currently housed in the British Museum.

During the hearing, the Hindu side argued that Bhojshala is an ancient temple of Goddess Saraswati and historically functioned as a centre of learning during the rule of Paramara king Bhoj. Advocates referred to ASI survey findings, inscriptions, architectural remains and historical literature to support their claims.

Advocate Manish Gupta reportedly cited references from the ancient text Samarangana Sutradhara and argued that the structure matched traditional temple architecture described during King Bhoj’s era.

On the other hand, the Muslim side maintained before the court that the site has long functioned as Kamal Maula Mosque and argued that questions regarding religious character should be decided by a civil court. Senior advocate Salman Khurshid also raised objections regarding the clarity and interpretation of the Archaeological Survey of India’s scientific survey findings.

The ASI had conducted a 98-day scientific survey of the Bhojshala complex in 2024 following court directions. The findings later became a major point of discussion during arguments before the High Court. Earlier this year, on January 23, 2026, the Supreme Court permitted uninterrupted worship at Bhojshala throughout Vasant Panchami celebrations. Following this, regular hearings in the High Court continued from April 6 until May 12, after which the verdict was reserved.

The dispute has witnessed several tense moments over the years, especially when Vasant Panchami and Friday prayers coincided on the same day. Similar situations in 2013 and 2016 had led to heightened tension and heavy security deployment in Dhar. Under the current administrative arrangement in place since 2003, Hindus are permitted to offer prayers every Tuesday and on Vasant Panchami, while the Muslim community is allowed to offer Friday namaz at the complex. The site remains open to tourists on other days.

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MP High Court issues bailable warrants against three officials

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued bailable warrants of Rs 25,000 each against three senior officers, including the principal secretary of the MSME department, in a contempt matter linked to delayed action on a promotion case in Rewa. The court also directed the police chiefs of Bhopal and Rewa to ensure service of the warrants, and fixed the matter for hearing after a week.

Promotion dispute in Rewa

The contempt petition concerns Jayaprakash Tiwari, an assistant manager posted at the District Industries Centre in Rewa, who had sought promotion to the post of manager. According to the petition, he was eligible for the promotion, but the department did not take a decision within the time the court had earlier prescribed.

The single bench of Justice Vishal Mishra was told that the High Court had already passed an order on November 4, 2024, directing the concerned officers to decide the promotion issue within 90 days. When that order was not followed, the petitioner moved the contempt court.

Court notes non-appearance

During the hearing, the court found that notices had been duly served on the three officials, but none of them appeared before it. Taking a serious view of the absence, the bench ordered bailable warrants against principal secretary Raghvendra Singh, commissioner Dilip Kumar Singh and general manager Rahul Dubey.

The court also asked the SPs of Bhopal and Rewa to ensure that the warrants are served. The matter now moves forward as a contempt proceeding, with the next hearing scheduled for about a week later.

Earlier order ignored

The case has drawn attention because it stems from alleged non-compliance with a prior judicial direction rather than a fresh service dispute. Court records in the matter show that the earlier order was meant to settle the promotion question within a fixed deadline, but the petitioner says the administration did not act even after that window closed.

That alleged delay is what prompted the contempt plea. In such cases, courts often focus not only on the original claim but also on whether officials obeyed the earlier order in time and in full.

Wider signal for administration

The warrant order is likely to be read as another reminder that government departments must respond within the timelines set by courts, especially in service matters involving promotions, pay or seniority. For employees, these cases often turn less on the merits alone and more on whether the administration has complied with a binding judicial direction.

The petitioner's counsel, Shrey Diwan, argued the matter on behalf of Tiwari, the order notes.

Next hearing ahead

For now, the immediate focus is on securing the presence of the three officers before the court. What happens at the next hearing will likely depend on whether they appear and explain why the earlier direction was not implemented, or whether the court decides to press the contempt proceedings further.

Gwalior woman chooses boyfriend over husband in MP High Court

In a dramatic turn of events during a court hearing, a woman held her boyfriend’s hand in front of the judge and refused to return to her husband.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Gwalior Bench witnessed an unusual scene this week during the hearing of a habeas corpus petition. A woman, produced before the court by the police, openly rejected her husband and chose to stay with her boyfriend. Holding her partner’s hand in the courtroom, she informed the bench that she was living with him by choice and had no intention of reconciling with her husband.

Petition leads to confrontation

The matter reached the court after the husband filed a habeas corpus petition, alleging his wife had been abducted. He specifically named an individual, Kuldeep Rathore, accusing him of holding the woman against her will.

However, when the Purani Chhavni police produced her before the bench, the narrative shifted entirely. The woman clarified she had been living with Kuldeep for the past 20 days of her own volition.

Relationship beyond repair

Upon hearing his wife’s statement and witnessing her public display of affection for another man, the husband also withdrew his claim. He informed the court that he no longer wished to take her back or maintain any marital ties.

The atmosphere in the courtroom remained tense as both parties stood firm on their decision to end the relationship. This Gwalior Divorce News highlights the growing complexities in modern domestic disputes.

Counseling sessions fail

Before passing an order, the court directed the couple to undergo professional counseling to explore any possibility of a settlement. According to sources, the sessions revealed deep-seated issues.

The husband, a driver by profession, was frequently away from home for work. During these periods, the woman reportedly developed a relationship with the other man, leading to frequent domestic friction and the eventual breakdown of the marriage.

Brief marital journey

Records indicate that the couple tied the knot in November 2024. Despite being married for only 17 months, the bond soured quickly.

The woman had been missing for nearly three weeks before the police tracked her down. While the husband initially sought her "rescue," the court proceedings ended any hope of a reunion between the two.

Court suggests divorce

Observing that there was no scope for reconciliation, the High Court advised the duo to seek a divorce through mutual consent. The bench noted that forced cohabitation was not feasible given the woman’s categorical refusal.

Under the current India News Update, such cases are increasingly bringing the focus back on personal liberty and the legalities of marital separation in the country.

Final court directions

The High Court ultimately allowed the woman to leave with her mother, as she had expressed a temporary wish to stay with her family. The habeas corpus petition was subsequently disposed of as redundant.

Legal experts suggest that the case will now move to a family court for formal separation. This Public Interest Story serves as a stark reminder of the evolving social and legal landscape regarding matrimonial disputes in Madhya Pradesh.