The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to stay the Madhya Pradesh High Court's judgment in the long-running Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex dispute in Dhar, but issued interim directions to ensure Friday prayers for the Muslim community at a location adjacent to the protected monument.

Hearing petitions filed by the Muslim side challenging the High Court's May 15 verdict, a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan refused to grant interim relief by restoring the earlier worship arrangement. However, the court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to identify an open space adjoining the Bhojshala complex where members of the Muslim community can offer Friday prayers between 1 pm and 3 pm.

The apex court also directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) not to undertake any structural alteration or modification inside the Bhojshala complex without obtaining prior permission from the court.

Notice Issued on Muslim Petitions

The Supreme Court issued notices to all respondents after the Muslim petitioners challenged the High Court's ruling, which had recognised the Bhojshala complex as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and prohibited the offering of namaz inside the premises.

The Bench declined to suspend the operation of the High Court's order at this stage, indicating that the matter would require detailed examination during the final hearing. The case is expected to be listed again in about three weeks.

Muslim Side Challenges Change in Religious Practice

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Huzaifa Ahmadi argued that the High Court's judgment had altered a long-standing religious arrangement under which Muslims were permitted to offer Friday prayers while Hindus conducted worship on designated days.

He contended that the community had effectively lost access to the site following the High Court's order and questioned the conclusions drawn from the ASI survey report.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi also submitted that the High Court's verdict was inconsistent with the provisions and spirit of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. He argued that historical government records reflected the continuation of Friday prayers at the site over several years and that altering the existing practice raised significant legal questions.

Centre Defends Administrative Handling

Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the High Court's judgment had been implemented peacefully and that the state administration had successfully maintained law and order after the decision.

He told the Bench that no major disturbance had been reported following the implementation of the High Court's directions.

ASI Barred From Structural Changes

Accepting a request made during the hearing, the Supreme Court ordered the ASI not to make any structural changes to the protected monument without prior judicial approval. The direction is intended to preserve the existing condition of the disputed site until the legal issues are finally decided.

Background of the Dispute

On May 15, 2026, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, relying on the ASI survey report and historical material placed before it. The court prohibited the offering of namaz within the premises while allowing Hindu worship.

The Muslim parties subsequently approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court had disrupted a long-standing arrangement that had governed religious practices at the site for years.

With notices now issued and interim directions in place, the Supreme Court will examine the ASI findings, historical records, constitutional provisions and statutory issues in detail during the next phase of the proceedings. The outcome is expected to have wider implications for disputes involving religious heritage sites across the country.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider petitions challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict that declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. However, the apex court directed the petitioners to first rectify technical defects in their filings before the matter is formally listed for hearing.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan heard an urgent mention by the Muslim side seeking an early hearing in the matter.

CJI Seeks Removal of Technical Defects

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi and advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for the Muslim petitioners, requested the court to list the matter urgently, citing its significance.

Responding to the request, Chief Justice Surya Kant instructed the petitioners to immediately remove the technical defects in the petitions. He assured the parties that once the deficiencies are rectified, the appeals would be listed before an appropriate Bench for hearing at the earliest.

The petitions challenge the Madhya Pradesh High Court's judgment delivered earlier this year on the long-running Bhojshala dispute.

Hindu Side Files Caveat

The Hindu side has already filed a caveat before the Supreme Court, ensuring that no interim or final order is passed without hearing its arguments.

With both parties now before the apex court, the decades-old religious and legal dispute has entered a new phase of judicial scrutiny.

What the High Court Had Ruled

On May 15, 2026, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi).

The court set aside the 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrangement that had permitted Hindus to offer prayers on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays.

It also directed that the management and administration of the monument be vested with the Central Government and the ASI.

Court Relied on Historical and ASI Evidence

The Division Bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi based its verdict on archaeological findings, historical records and the ASI survey.

According to the judgment, the evidence indicated that the structure was originally a Hindu temple and a centre for Sanskrit learning established by King Bhoj in 1034 AD. The court observed that this predates claims regarding the construction of a mosque at the site by several centuries.

The High Court had also criticised the ASI for alleged lapses in protecting and maintaining the heritage monument.

Additional Directions in the Judgment

Apart from declaring the site a temple, the High Court had suggested that the Madhya Pradesh Government consider allotting alternative land within Dhar district for the construction of a mosque, subject to legal procedures and an application by the Waqf Board.

The court had also recommended that the Central Government examine the possibility of bringing back the original Vagdevi idol, currently housed in a museum in London, and consider reinstalling it at the Bhojshala complex.

The legal battle will now continue before the Supreme Court, which is expected to hear the matter after procedural formalities are completed.

Achaleshwar Temple Priest Assaults Devotee in Gwalior

CCTV video from Madhya Pradesh’s historic Achaleshwar Temple shows a priest assaulting a 54-year-old devotee and issuing a chilling tantric threat after a dispute over prasad offering.

Historic Temple in Spotlight  

Gwalior’s ancient Achaleshwar Temple has come under scrutiny after a violent clash between a priest and a regular devotee. The episode occurred on March 29 inside the temple premises in the Kampoo police station area.

Long-Time Devotee Assaulted  

Rajesh Bohra, 54, a resident of Laxmiganj in Lashkar, has visited Achaleshwar Temple for nearly 40 years. On the day of the incident, he handed prasad to priest Gagan Katara for offering to the deity.

Argument Turns Violent  

Bohra objected when the priest threw the prasad onto the idol instead of placing it properly. An argument erupted. Gagan Katara then asked temple staff to take the devotee to the Natraj Bhavan room, saying “sort him out”.

Brutal Beating in Natraj Bhavan  

Inside the room, priest Gaurav Katara allegedly slapped Bohra repeatedly, grabbed him by the neck and pushed him hard. The entire sequence was captured on the temple’s CCTV cameras.

Tantric Threat Shocks Victim  

Bohra later told police that Gaurav Katara threatened him with the words: “I will perform tantric kriya and turn you into ashes. You will rot and die.” The devotee, who had taken diksha from the same priest earlier, said he and his family now live in fear.

Family Demands Protection  

Bohra has demanded immediate security for himself and his relatives. He claims continuous harassment since the incident and fears for his life.

Police Promise Action  

Kampoo police CSP Manish Yadav confirmed that no formal complaint has been received so far. “Once the application reaches us, we will investigate. If the allegations are found true, strict legal action will be taken against those involved,” he said. Temple management is yet to issue any statement on the matter.

The video of the Achaleshwar Temple priest assault has now gone viral, triggering widespread anger among devotees across Madhya Pradesh. Many have questioned the behaviour of temple staff and demanded better accountability at religious sites. Such incidents erode public trust in places meant for peace and worship.

Local residents and regular visitors to the temple say they expect swift police intervention. Bohra is preparing to file an official complaint in the coming days. Authorities have assured that the matter will be handled as per law once the complaint is lodged.

This Achaleshwar Temple priest assault has once again highlighted the need for stricter oversight at prominent shrines in the state.

The Magh Mela Shankaracharya controversy has intensified into a major religious and political flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh. BJP leader Uma Bharti has strongly criticized the Magh Mela administration for demanding proof of identity from Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand, calling it an overreach that crosses all limits of decency. Her support has added fuel to the 10-day standoff, which began when the seer was stopped from taking a ceremonial palanquin bath on January 18.

Uma Bharti, known for her outspoken style, said the officials had insulted a revered spiritual figure and questioned how bureaucrats could challenge the Shankaracharya tradition. She clarified she was not opposing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath but highlighting the mishandling. “Yogi opponents should not be happy; I am not against him,” she stressed, emphasizing respect for Sanatan Dharma leaders.

Adding to the pressure on the government, Dinesh Phalahari Baba, petitioner in the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi case, sent a blood-written letter to CM Yogi Adityanath. He demanded full arrangements for Avimukteshwaranand to take a respectful dip in the Ganga and an apology from officials. The letter underscores the deep hurt felt among devotees over the incident.

Escalating Standoff and Officer’s Dramatic Exit

The dispute escalated after Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigned on Republic Day, alleging he was pressured and unwilling to be part of an “oppressive government.” Avimukteshwaranand claimed Agnihotri called him personally, saying he could not continue in a system that disrespected his guru. The government rejected the resignation, suspended Agnihotri, and ordered an inquiry.

Avimukteshwaranand described the struggle as one between “fake and real Hindus.” He said barricades still prevent his ceremonial bath and accused officials of acting on higher instructions. “Sooner or later, they will have to answer,” he warned. He also praised Agnihotri’s stand and offered him a bigger role in the religious sphere.

Counter Voices and Security Tensions

On the opposite side, Paramhans Maharaj of Ayodhya Cantonment Dham accused Avimukteshwaranand and associate Satua Baba of defaming the Magh Mela. He demanded a permanent ban on their entry and invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against the Shankaracharya.

Support for Avimukteshwaranand continues to grow. Former Gujarat CM Shankar Singh Baghela visited the site, warning that 100 crore people stand with the seer and questioning the government’s commitment to cow protection amid alleged donations from cow-slaughter-linked sources.

Latest Developments on Ground

Tensions flared with a scuffle outside Avimukteshwaranand’s camp involving shopkeepers. Security was tightened outside Agnihotri’s residence after his suspension notice and vehicle seizure. Protests, including by Savarna community members, echoed outside the Collectorate.

Other saints joined Computer Baba in Dhuni Sadhana in solidarity. Avimukteshwaranand also embarked on the Gau Prerna Pratishtha Yatra, drawing large crowds for blessings.

The Magh Mela Shankaracharya controversy highlights the delicate balance between administrative protocols and religious sentiments during one of Hinduism’s biggest gatherings. With political heavyweights weighing in and public anger rising, the state government faces mounting calls for resolution. As the fair continues, all eyes are on whether dialogue or further escalation will prevail.

A Day of Dual Prayers: Bhojshala Sees Peace Under Supreme Court’s Watchful Eye

For the first time in nearly a decade, the contentious Bhojshala Saraswati Temple-cum-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar witnessed a significant test of communal harmony and judicial mediation. On Friday, January 23, 2026, the rare coincidence of the Hindu festival Basant Panchami and the Muslim Friday (Jumuah) prayers unfolded under an unprecedented security blanket and a landmark Supreme Court order.

The apex court, stepping in to resolve a procedural gap, issued a clear time-sharing arrangement: Hindu devotees were permitted to worship Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) from sunrise to sunset, while the Muslim community was allocated a dedicated two-hour window from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for Namaz within a separate area of the compound. This decision, welcomed by leaders from both sides, averted potential friction on a day that has seen tensions flare in the past.

The Supreme Court’s Balancing Act

The legal intervention was swift and decisive. Hearing a petition from the Hindu Front for Justice just a day prior, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant crafted a practical solution. The court recorded the Madhya Pradesh government’s assurance to create exclusive, separate spaces with different entry and exit points for the two communities within the same complex.

A Judicial Appeal for Peace: Beyond the logistics, the bench made a heartfelt appeal, urging "all stakeholders… to observe mutual respect and tolerance and cooperate with the State and district Administration".

Consent-Based Resolution: The order was notable for being based on consent. Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, representing the state, proposed the separate arrangements, which were accepted by senior advocates for both the Hindu and Muslim sides.

Broader Case Revived: In a parallel but critical move, the Supreme Court also revived the long-pending main title dispute case. It directed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to unseal a sensitive Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) scientific report on the site’s origins and proceed with hearings, while maintaining the status quo at the monument.

An Unprecedented Security Operation

With memories of past clashes during similar calendar overlaps, the administration left nothing to chance. The town of Dhar was transformed into a high-security fortress, deploying a multi-layered strategy combining massive manpower with cutting-edge technology.

Sheer Numbers: Over 8,000 police and paramilitary personnel, including units from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and its Rapid Action Force (RAF), were deployed across the district.

AI and Tech Surveillance: The operation stood out for its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Authorities employed AI-driven drones for real-time crowd monitoring and had mapped every nook of the town using LiDAR and 3D technology to guide forces.

Comprehensive Measures:

       A 300-meter no-fly zone was declared around Bhojshala.

       Social media was actively monitored to curb rumors.

       A temporary jail was set up at a local college as a precaution.

       Prohibitory orders banned public gatherings and the storage of potential projectiles like construction materials.

The Heart of a Centuries-Old Dispute

The intense preparations underscore the deep-seated historical controversy surrounding the 11th-century ASI-protected monument.

Hindu Claim: The Hindu community venerates the site as the original temple of Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi), believed to have been built by the legendary Paramara king Bhoj. They cite Sanskrit inscriptions and temple architecture as evidence.

Muslim Claim: The Muslim community regards it as the Kamal Maula Mosque, asserting that Namaz has been offered there continuously for over seven centuries.

The ASI Arrangement: Since 2003, an ASI order has managed worship: Hindus pray on Tuesdays and Basant Panchami, while Muslims offer Friday prayers. However, the order did not specify procedures for when the two coincide, creating an annual ambiguity that the Supreme Court addressed.

A Peaceful Precedent and the Road Ahead

By late afternoon, reports confirmed that prayers had concluded peacefully under the massive security umbrella. Community leaders expressed satisfaction with the day's arrangements. Gopal Sharma of the Bhojshala Utsav Samiti stated the Hindu side accepted the court's decision, while Julfikar Pathan of the Muslim committee said they would hold Namaz in an "organized and secure manner".

The peaceful conduct of this sensitive day sets a crucial precedent. However, it is a temporary administrative fix to a permanent legal question. The path forward now shifts to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which will examine the sealed ASI report that may contain findings on the site's historical character. The Supreme Court has mandated that this report be shared with both parties, opening a new chapter of evidentiary hearings in one of India's most watched heritage disputes.

For now, the successful management of Basant Panchami 2026 at Bhojshala demonstrates that with judicious court oversight, proactive administration, and community cooperation, even the most polarized disputes can find a moment of peaceful coexistence.