Supreme Court Refuses Interim Relief for Friday Namaz at Bhojshala, Calls it 'Sensitive Issue'

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reportedly refused to immediately restore Friday Namaz at the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh. However, the court agreed to hear the Muslim parties' appeal against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order, which declared Bhojshala a temple. The court also directed the state government to provide an open space near the site where Muslims can offer Friday Namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm until the case is decided.

Court Says Issue Is Sensitive

The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan, said the matter is very sensitive and every word used by the court must be carefully considered. The judges said they are ready to hear the case on a day-to-day basis to reach a final decision. The Supreme Court also ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) not to make any structural changes at the site without its permission.

• Supreme Court refused interim permission for Friday Namaz at Bhojshala.
• Muslims can offer Friday prayers at a nearby open space.
• ASI cannot make structural changes without the court's approval.

High Court Order Challenged

The Muslim side challenged the Madhya Pradesh High Court's May verdict, which cancelled a 2003 ASI arrangement. Under that arrangement, Hindus were allowed to worship on Tuesdays, while Muslims offered Friday Namaz at the same complex. The High Court ruled that there were signs of a Saraswati temple and a Sanskrit learning centre at the site and granted exclusive worship rights to the Hindu side.

Different Claims Over the Site

The Hindu community believes Bhojshala is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and built by King Raja Bhoj. The Muslim side says the place has functioned as the Kamal Maula Mosque for centuries and has long been used for Friday prayers. Both communities have continued to present historical and legal arguments before the courts.

Survey Findings and Objections:

• ASI conducted a 98-day scientific survey in 2024.
• The survey report said an older temple-like structure existed before the mosque.
• Hindu petitioners say coins, sculptures, and inscriptions support their claim.
• Muslim parties argue the ASI report is biased and favours the Hindu side.

The dispute remains pending before the Supreme Court, which will now hear the appeal in detail. Until a final verdict is delivered, the court's interim directions will remain in force, while both sides continue to present their arguments over the ownership and religious status of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex.

Also read: Indore High Court declares 11th-century Bhojshala as hindu temple, suggests separate land for mosque