MP High Court Recognises Disputed Bhojshala Complex as Temple

Indore/Dhar (IANS): The long-standing legal battle over Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar has concluded. The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has recognised the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a Hindu temple. The court ruled that the historical site is the property of King Bhoj, granting the Hindu side exclusive rights to worship at the complex.

The Ruling and New Directives

The High Court’s decision effectively reshapes a decades-old religious and legal standoff. Key points of the verdict include:

• Exclusive Worship Rights: The court granted the Hindu community the sole right to perform religious rituals at the site.
• Revocation of ASI Order: The court completely set aside the April 7, 2003, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order, which had previously allowed the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers (namaz) at the complex.
• Alternative Land Suggestion: While dismissing the petitions from the Muslim and Jain sides, the court suggested that the government consider allocating alternative land for a mosque.
• Repatriation of Vagdevi: The court directed the central government to initiate formal efforts to bring back the ancient idol of Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi) from the British Museum in London. King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty originally installed the statue in the 11th century.

Evidence and Management

The court based its decision heavily on the scientific survey report recently submitted by the ASI. The findings established the original character of the site as an ancient centre of learning and worship. While the ASI will retain administrative management of the property, religious control now rests with the Hindu front.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, stated that the court prioritized the historical and architectural evidence unearthed during the survey over previous administrative arrangements.

Security and Public Order

Given the sensitivity of the verdict, particularly as it coincided with Friday prayers, the state administration deployed over 1,200 police personnel in Dhar town.

District Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena and senior officials monitored the situation in real-time. Authorities have placed social media under strict surveillance to curb inflammatory content and urged the public to maintain communal harmony as the legal transition takes effect.