The Supreme Court of India has directed authorities to provide a separate space for Muslim devotees to offer Friday namaz between 1 PM and 3 PM near the historic Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. This interim order comes amidst a long-standing dispute over the site, which is revered by both Hindu and Muslim communities and is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument.

The directive from the apex court aims to facilitate access for Muslim worshippers, particularly on Fridays, while ensuring the ongoing ASI scientific survey of the complex proceeds without disruption. The order also seeks to maintain the status quo regarding Hindu worship, which is currently permitted on Tuesdays and Basant Panchami.

Bhojshala, an 11th-century structure, has been a focal point of contention for decades due to its dual religious significance. Hindus believe it to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi), reportedly built by King Bhoj, while Muslims identify it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The ASI's standing order from 2003 governs the current worship arrangements: Hindus are allowed to worship inside the complex every Tuesday and on Basant Panchami, while Muslims are permitted to offer namaz on Fridays.

The Supreme Court's intervention follows an appeal challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court order. On March 11, 2024, a division bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, comprising Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Devnarayan Mishra, directed the ASI to conduct a comprehensive scientific survey, excavation, and carbon dating of the Bhojshala complex and its surrounding area. This order was in response to a petition filed by the Hindu Front for Justice, which sought to establish the Hindu nature of the monument.

During the Supreme Court proceedings, a bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra clarified that the interim arrangement for Friday namaz is without prejudice to the rights of either party. The court emphasized that the archaeological survey must continue unhindered and that its findings should be submitted for judicial review. This measure is intended to prevent any law and order issues while legal proceedings continue.

Supporting details regarding the Supreme Court’s interim order include:

  • Specific Timing: Muslim devotees are allocated a dedicated space for Friday namaz exclusively between 1 PM and 3 PM.
  • ASI Survey Mandate: The Supreme Court affirmed that the ongoing scientific survey by the Archaeological Survey of India must proceed without interruption.
  • Previous High Court Ruling: The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier directed a detailed scientific survey, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and GPS techniques, of the Bhojshala complex.
  • Historical Context: Bhojshala is an 11th-century monument whose ownership and religious affiliation have been subject to historical and ongoing legal disputes.
  • Existing Worship Schedule: As per the 2003 ASI arrangement, Hindus are permitted worship on Tuesdays and Basant Panchami, while Muslims can offer namaz on Fridays.

The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings for July 2024. At that time, it will review the progress of the ASI survey and consider additional arguments from the involved parties. This interim order marks a continuation of judicial oversight aimed at managing access and maintaining peace at the contested site while the larger legal questions regarding its historical nature are deliberated. The findings of the ASI survey and subsequent legal proceedings will be crucial in potentially resolving the long-standing dispute over the Bhojshala complex.