Madhya Pradesh High Court Declares Bhojshala a Temple, Quashes Namaz Order
MP High Court declares Bhojshala complex a Goddess Saraswati temple, quashes Friday namaz order
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, overturning a previous order that allowed Friday prayers. The court directed the Archaeological Survey of India to manage the site and permitted mosque representatives to seek alternative land for construction.
- 01The court's ruling is based on findings from a scientific survey conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India, which indicated the site's historical significance as a temple.
- 02The Bhojshala complex was associated with King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty, which ruled central India from the 9th to 14th centuries.
- 03The court's decision came after hearing five petitions and one writ appeal related to the disputed religious site.
- 04The Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society may apply for separate land for a mosque, as per the court's directive.
- 05Petitioners celebrated the ruling as a victory after a 700-year struggle for recognition of the site's Hindu heritage.
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The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has officially recognized the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. This ruling quashes a 2003 order by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that permitted Friday prayers at the site. The court directed the ASI and the central government to oversee the administration and management of the complex. The decision, delivered by Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi, was based on evidence from a scientific survey conducted by the ASI, which indicated that the structure was originally a temple associated with King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty, who ruled the Malwa region from the 9th to 14th centuries. The court also noted that mosque representatives could seek alternative land for construction. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for Hindu petitioners who have claimed the site as a temple for centuries, while mosque representatives plan to appeal to the Supreme Court.
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The ruling could reshape the religious landscape in Dhar district, impacting the rights of worship for both Hindus and Muslims at the site.
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