Abdul Samad, President of the Kamal Maula Welfare Society and a petitioner for the Muslim side in the Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Mosque complex case, claimed that Hindu goddess idols were placed at the disputed site post the Archaeological Survey of India’s 2003 directive. The Madhya Pradesh High Court recognized the Bhojshala complex as a Hindu temple belonging to King Bhoj. The court overturned the ASI’s 2003 order, granting exclusive worship rights to the Hindu side and rejecting pleas from the Muslim side and Jain community.
Samad expressed concerns over changes in the monument’s nature after Hindus were permitted to worship on Tuesdays following the ASI’s 2003 order. He highlighted the introduction of structures and idols inside the complex post-2003, raising objections to these actions with the District Magistrate and ASI officials. Samad criticized the ASI’s survey process, alleging a lack of adherence to scientific methods and denial of further information requests.
The Muslim side plans to challenge the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s ruling in the Supreme Court, as confirmed by advocate Noor Ahmed Sheikh. The court’s order prohibits ‘namaz’ at the site unless the Supreme Court intervenes. Advocates representing the Muslim side, including Arshad Warsi, expressed disappointment with the judgment, citing non-consideration of their presented facts. Warsi stated their intent to appeal to the Supreme Court while acknowledging the court’s fair opportunity for argument presentation.
In a gesture towards the Muslim community, the court suggested the state government consider providing alternative land for a mosque if desired.
