The Supreme Court declined to halt the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s ruling that declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a Hindu temple. However, the court instructed the state government to allocate a separate open area near the monument for Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The interim arrangement, as directed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and other Justices, is intended to ensure peaceful religious practices for both communities without prejudice to their rights. The court emphasized that this arrangement is temporary and subject to the final outcome of the legal proceedings.
While the Supreme Court did not permit Friday namaz inside the Bhojshala premises, it upheld the ban on prayers within the protected complex imposed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The court urged both sides to exercise patience and assured that the case would be expedited for a final hearing soon.
The court also safeguarded the existing condition of the monument by prohibiting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from making any structural changes without prior approval. The matter is set to be revisited in the coming weeks, with notices issued to relevant parties in response to the appeals filed by the Muslim side.
