Muslim side challenges MP HC order on Bhojshala complex in SC
Quick Look
- The Muslim side has challenged a Madhya Pradesh High Court order declaring the Bhojshala complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
- The 11th-century monument is considered a temple by Hindus and a mosque by Muslims.
- The dispute has led to the suspension of Friday prayers at the site, with heavy security deployed.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Bhojshala complex is an 11th-century monument disputed between Hindu and Muslim communities. Hindus consider it a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims call it Kamal Maula Mosque. A 2003 ASI order had divided the site for worship, allotting Tuesdays to Hindus and Fridays to Muslims.
NEW DELHI: The Muslim side Thursday moved SC challenging a Madhya Pradesh HC order which said the disputed Bhojshala complex was a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Saraswati, while the Muslim side calls the 11th-century monument the Kamal Maula Mosque. The disputed complex is protected by ASI. The appeal filed by the mosque's caretaker, Qazi Moinuddin, has challenged HC's order on May 15. Meanwhile, for the first time in 23 years, namaz will not be offered at Bhojshala, effectively ending the long-standing arrangement that had divided the site for worship between two communities. Amid a undercurrent of tension, the administration is leaving nothing to chance, and heavy security has been deployed across the city. The arrangement dated back to a 2003 ASI order, which allotted Tuesdays to Hindus for prayers and Fridays to Muslims for namaz, at the complex. HC struck down that order, while directing govt to consider applications for allotting land elsewhere for the construction of a mosque. Hindu organisations have been celebrating the ruling for nearly a week and plan to mark this Friday with significant fanfare. With communal tensions simmering, Dhar district collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena Wednesday called a peace meeting and issued a firm advisory. MP govt has announced that Bhojshala will be developed on the lines of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Supreme Court will hear the appeal filed by the Muslim side.
Very likely · Within days
Communal tensions may escalate or de-escalate depending on the Supreme Court's proceedings and administrative actions.
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What will be the Supreme Court's decision on the appeal?
- Will the government provide alternative land for the mosque?
- What will be the long-term impact on communal harmony in the region?
- Will the development of Bhojshala on the lines of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya proceed?
