Hyderabad, May 15: An Indore court in Madhya Pradesh delivered a key verdict in the long running Bhojshala dispute, stating that the disputed site belongs to a temple and permitting the installation of a Goddess Saraswati idol at the premises.
The court also directed that the site be brought under the control and supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The verdict is considered significant in the decades old dispute involving the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district.
Court Permits Saraswati Idol Installation
The Bhojshala monument is regarded by Hindus as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, also known as Vagdevi.
Meanwhile, members of the Muslim community identify the structure as the Kamal Maula Masjid.
As per a 2003 arrangement framed by the ASI, Hindus have been allowed to offer prayers at the site on Tuesdays, while Muslims have been permitted to conduct prayers on Fridays.
However, the arrangement later became a subject of legal dispute after Hindu groups approached the court seeking expanded worship rights at the site.
The Muslim side argued that the disputed structure belongs to the mosque and opposed exclusive religious claims over the premises.
During the proceedings, the Archaeological Survey of India conducted a detailed scientific survey of the site for 98 days in 2024.
The survey report was later submitted before the court on July 15, 2024.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Indore bench observed that the disputed site belongs to the temple side and allowed the installation of the Saraswati statue.
The court also clarified that the Muslim side may apply for an alternative location for mosque related activities.
The Bhojshala dispute has remained one of the most sensitive religious and historical issues in Madhya Pradesh for several years. Security has been tightened in parts of Dhar district following the verdict to maintain law and order.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
