Supreme Court Upholds Bhojshala Temple Ruling, Allows Nearby Friday Prayers

Jul 14, 2026

79 min

Jul 14, 2026 10:31

Highly sensitive: Top court refuses to restore Friday namaz at Bhojshala, orders nearby prayer space

## Supreme Court Decision

The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision regarding the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar. The court maintained the ruling that the site is a Hindu temple and denied requests to allow Friday prayers within the complex. Instead, it directed the state to provide a nearby open space for Muslims to conduct Friday namaz.

## Background of the Dispute

The Bhojshala site has been a point of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities. Hindus claim it as an 11th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims have used it as the Kamal Maula Mosque for centuries. A 2003 arrangement allowed Hindus to worship on Tuesdays and Muslims to pray on Fridays.

## High Court Ruling

In May 2026, the High Court declared the site a Hindu temple, nullifying the 2003 arrangement. The court suggested finding alternative land for a mosque. This decision was based on a 2024 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report, which indicated that a temple structure predated the mosque.

## Supreme Court's Interim Measures

The Supreme Court's interim order allows Friday prayers at a designated open space near the monument, without affecting the rights of either community. The court also barred the ASI from making structural changes to the site without its approval.

## Future Proceedings

The Supreme Court has assured that it will hear the case on a day-to-day basis to reach a resolution quickly. Notices have been issued to various parties, including the central government and the ASI, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks.

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