The Muslim side filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s May 15 verdict declaring the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Quazi Moinuddin, caretaker of the Kamal Maula mosque, is the petitioner.
The High Court held that the religious character of the 11th-century monument, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, is that of a Bhojshala temple. It quashed a 2003 ASI order allowing Muslims to offer Friday namaz at the site. The court said Muslims may apply to the state government for alternative land to build a mosque.
The Hindu community considers the site a Saraswati temple, while Muslims identify it as the Kamal Maula mosque where namaz has been offered for generations. The High Court relied on archaeological and historical evidence, citing the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya precedent.
Muslim community leaders said they expect the Supreme Court to consider a stay on the High Court order. They did not offer Friday prayers at the site this week after local authorities declined permission citing law and order concerns. The petition was registered for formal hearing by the apex court.
The Supreme Court registered the petition for formal hearing after the Muslim side filed on May 21. The 11th-century monument in Dhar district has been governed by a 2003 ASI arrangement allowing Tuesday Hindu rituals and Friday Muslim prayers. The High Court directed the Centre and ASI to decide on temple administration and management.
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Sources:
Muslims Moves Supreme Court Against MP High Court’s Bhojshala Verdict