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.

Following the Supreme Court's interim order in the long-running Bhojshala dispute, the Dhar district administration has designated the Chalis Pir complex, located around 2 kilometres from the Bhojshala premises, as the venue for Friday prayers. However, the Muslim community has rejected the arrangement, arguing that it does not reflect the spirit of the apex court's directions.

The decision was taken during a meeting between district officials and representatives of the Muslim community on Friday. The administration allotted the Chalis Pir premises in Maliwada for Friday prayers every week between 1 pm and 3 pm, citing security and law-and-order considerations.

Muslim Community Rejects New Venue

Members of the Muslim community expressed dissatisfaction with the decision and announced that they would not offer prayers at the newly designated site.

Community president Abdul Samad said the administration had selected a location nearly two kilometres away from the disputed Bhojshala complex, which, according to him, was inconsistent with the Supreme Court's observations.

He maintained that when prayers were earlier offered near the Bhojshala premises, no law-and-order issues had arisen, and there had been no disturbance even after the practice was discontinued.

Allegations Over Administrative Meeting

The Muslim side also criticised the manner in which the meeting was conducted.

According to Abdul Samad, senior community members were made to wait for nearly three hours before being informed of the administration's decision. He alleged that the Supreme Court's interim order had been interpreted incorrectly and that the venue allocated was far from the disputed site.

The community has indicated that it will challenge the decision through legal channels and reiterated that Friday prayers would not be held at the Chalis Pir complex.

Reference to Earlier Arrangement

Community representatives also referred to an earlier arrangement made during Basant Panchami in January, when prayers were reportedly offered at a temporary location near a graveyard. They argued that a cemetery is not considered an appropriate place for regular Friday congregational prayers and said this issue had already been brought before the Supreme Court.

For the current Friday, worshippers instead offered prayers at various mosques across Dhar under the temporary arrangement.

Background of the Bhojshala Case

The Bhojshala complex in Dhar has remained the subject of a long-standing legal dispute between Hindu and Muslim parties over religious rights at the site.

The matter reached the Supreme Court after the Muslim side challenged a Madhya Pradesh High Court order delivered on May 15, 2026. During the hearing on July 14, the Supreme Court directed the state government to make arrangements for Friday prayers at a suitable open space near the Bhojshala premises between 1 pm and 3 pm, pending further proceedings.

Following that order, the district administration identified the Chalis Pir complex as the alternative prayer venue. However, the Muslim community has opposed the arrangement, setting the stage for further legal proceedings as the dispute continues.

 The long-standing Bhojshala dispute in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has once again come into focus after the Supreme Court directed the state government to provide an open space outside the Bhojshala complex for Muslims to offer Friday prayers between 1 pm and 3 pm. The directive comes amid an existing Madhya Pradesh High Court order that recognises Bhojshala as a temple and grants the Hindu community the right to perform worship throughout the year.

The latest development has raised several administrative and security questions regarding the implementation of the Supreme Court's directions, particularly because the Bhojshala complex currently has only one main entrance for visitors.

Single Entry Point Presents Administrative Challenge

Officials are now examining how the court's directions can be implemented while ensuring smooth movement of devotees and maintaining law and order. The Bhojshala complex presently has a single main entry gate, where permanent police security and visitor screening are already in place.

Authorities are yet to announce an official operational plan. The district administration has stated that it is studying the Supreme Court's order before finalising arrangements.

Key issues under consideration include identifying a suitable open space for Friday prayers, managing separate movement of worshippers, ensuring uninterrupted temple access for devotees and strengthening security around the single-entry complex.

Past Experience During Basant Panchami

The Bhojshala premises have witnessed similar logistical challenges in previous years when Basant Panchami coincided with Friday prayers.

During such occasions, the administration introduced temporary arrangements to facilitate religious activities while maintaining public order. On major festival days, an alternative exit gate on the left side of the complex has been used to regulate the movement of large crowds.

In earlier instances, including 2006 and 2013, authorities reportedly created temporary access routes for Muslim worshippers through the rear side of the premises while Hindu devotees continued their scheduled worship.

2026 Arrangement Triggered Objections

On January 23, 2026, when Basant Panchami and Friday coincided, Hindu worship reportedly continued throughout the day, while a separate arrangement was made for Friday prayers in an open area behind the Bhojshala complex.

However, members of the Muslim community objected to the location, stating that the site formed part of a cemetery and was therefore not considered appropriate for offering namaz according to their religious beliefs.

The Supreme Court's latest direction to provide an open space outside the Bhojshala complex is now expected to guide future arrangements.

Administration Yet to Finalise Plan

Officials have not disclosed where the designated prayer area will be located or how access will be regulated. Security agencies are expected to prepare a detailed deployment and traffic management plan after reviewing the court's directions.

The administration is likely to hold consultations with relevant stakeholders before implementing the arrangement to ensure compliance with judicial orders while maintaining peace and public order.

The Bhojshala dispute has remained one of Madhya Pradesh's most closely watched legal and administrative issues, with proceedings continuing in various courts over the years.

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.

Religious activities resumed at the historic Bhojshala complex in Dhar on Sunday following the implementation of new guidelines issued by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Large numbers of Hindu devotees gathered at the site from early morning and offered prayers dedicated to Maa Vagdevi inside the premises. The reopening of worship arrangements under the revised framework created a festive atmosphere at the Bhojshala complex, with devotees carrying pictures of Maa Vagdevi and participating in traditional rituals. Authorities maintained security and monitoring arrangements during the religious activities.

Purification Ritual Performed

Before the Pooja rituals began, devotees and organisers carried out a purification ceremony inside the complex using cow urine, considered sacred in Hindu traditions. The sanctum area was decorated with colourful rangoli designs while priests and devotees performed rituals according to traditional customs. Organisers also shifted the eternal flame from the Jyoti Temple located outside the Bhojshala premises into the sanctum area for the special prayers. Religious chants and mantra recitations began at sunrise and continued through the morning hours.

Devotees Show Enthusiasm

A strong sense of enthusiasm was visible among devotees gathered at the Bhojshala complex. Several worshippers were seen celebrating with devotional songs and traditional dance performances after the commencement of the rituals. Members of Hindu organisations described the occasion as significant following the implementation of the new ASI guidelines regarding worship practices at the disputed historical site. The development remained one of the major Public Interest Story updates in Madhya Pradesh due to the long-standing religious and legal sensitivity linked to the Bhojshala complex.

Leaders Visit Bhojshala

On Saturday evening, Union Minister of State Savitri Thakur and saint Mahamandaleshwar Nisarg Das Maharaj visited Bhojshala to offer prayers. Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena and Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma also reached the premises and participated in the worship programme. Speaking during the visit, Savitri Thakur congratulated devotees and said the atmosphere around the site had become peaceful. She stated that earlier Fridays often witnessed tension around the complex, but the situation has now normalised.

Government Promises Development

The Union Minister further said devotees can now visit the site freely for darshan and worship. She also referred to the statement of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav regarding plans to develop Bhojshala in a more organised and attractive manner. According to government representatives, efforts are being planned to restore and develop the site while preserving its historical and cultural significance. Officials indicated that the objective is to promote Bhojshala as an important religious and heritage destination for visitors from across the country.

Hindu Groups Participate

Members of the Bhoj Utsav Samiti and local Hindu organisations reached the Bhojshala complex before sunrise on Sunday to oversee preparations. Bhoj Utsav Samiti general secretary Sumit Choudhary said purification rituals and Devi Anushthan programmes started early in the morning and continued throughout the day. He stated that a Maha Aarti by members of Hindu society was scheduled for 11:45 am. Organisation members also said discussions were underway regarding the future development and beautification of the complex.

Historical Significance Highlighted

Bhojshala has remained a historically and politically significant site in Madhya Pradesh for several decades due to competing religious claims associated with the complex. The latest ASI guidelines and reopening of worship arrangements have once again brought the site into public focus. Religious groups have welcomed the changes, while administrative authorities continue to monitor the situation to maintain law and order. Officials and religious groups indicated that further planning is underway to enhance facilities and preserve the heritage value of Bhojshala. The state government has also expressed interest in restoring the site’s historic grandeur.

-----------

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.

---------

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.