Bhojshala complex is temple of Goddess Vagdevi, Hindus have right to worship: Madhya Pradesh high court
BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh high court on Friday recognised the disputed Bhojshala complex as the temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).A division bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi set aside the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) 2003 order that had allowed Muslims to offer prayers at the site.The Indore bench of the high court said, “We have noted the continuity of Hindu worship at the site through regulated worship over time, which has never been extinguished.”It further observed, “We record a finding that historical literature and records establish that the character of the disputed area was Bhojshala as a centre of Sanskrit learning associated with Raja Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty and the literary and architectural references, including those connected with the period of Raja Bhoj, indicate the existence of a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati at the site.”The court also said the Government of India may consider bringing back the idol of Goddess Vagdevi from the British Museum in London.It further observed that the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society or any other new Waqf body may request alternate land in Dhar for the establishment of a mosque.The court said the overall administration of the property will remain with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which will also ensure its upkeep.Reacting to the verdict, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said, “The Indore High Court has delivered a historic verdict, partially setting aside the ASI’s order dated April 7, 2003. Furthermore, the Court has granted the Hindu side the right to worship and has recognised the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj. Regarding our demand for the repatriation of the idol currently housed in a London museum, the Court has directed the government to consider this request; the Court also noted that the Muslim side is free to present its views before the government as well.“
“Additionally, the Court has asked the government to consider allocating alternative land to the Muslim side. The Court has granted us the right to perform worship rituals and has directed the government to oversee the management of the site. The ASI’s previous order, which granted the right to offer Namaz (prayers), has been completely set aside; henceforth, only Hindu worship shall take place there.”
Security tightened
Police have tightened security in the Dhar district.The legal conflict involves determining the religious character of the monument in the Dhar district.Dhar District Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena appealed to people to maintain the peace in the district and avoid spreading misleading information or rumours.“A court decision is expected regarding the ancient structure protected by the ASI in Dhar district. We appeal to all citizens to maintain peace in the district and not to pay attention to misleading information or rumours. The district administration is monitoring such misinformation and rumours, and strict action will be taken against any untoward information received in this regard,” he said in a video released by the Public Relations Office.Later, speaking with ANI, he informed that additional police forces have been deployed to maintain peace in the areas.“The executive magistrate and police force have been deployed, and we are keeping a watch on all the significant aspects,” he said.Hindus have argued that the Bhojshala complex, situated in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe that it is the site of the Kamal Maula mosque.On May 12, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court reserved its decision following final arguments.A division bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi was hearing the matter regularly from April 6 and heard all the parties concerned, including petitioners, respondents, interveners and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).“Since April 6, 2026, regular hearings have been taking place in the matter and the case has been heard for nearly 25 days. During this period, the court heard all parties, which include petitioners, respondents, interveners and the ASI for around 60 hours. After hearing all sides, the proceedings in the matter concluded today,” said Shreesh Dubey, Lawyer of Bhoj Utsav Samiti.He also said that the counsel representing the ASI responded to all the deficiencies pointed out in the ASI survey and the questions raised over it.
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“The final argument in the matter has now concluded, and the next hearing will be for the judgement. I believe the verdict will come after the court vacation,” Dubey said.On the other hand, counsel for ASI, Aviral Khare, said that during the final argument, they responded to all the objections that were raised regarding the ASI survey report.“We informed the court that the survey conducted at Bhojshala complex was carried out strictly in accordance with the court’s directions and with complete impartiality and transparency. The ASI survey report runs into more than 2,000 pages and contains detailed descriptions of every aspect, including the methods used, the court’s directions, how and where the survey was conducted, what findings were made at various locations, and the conclusions drawn by the ASI after analytical study and investigation,” Khare said.He added that final arguments from all parties were concluded on Tuesday and the court has reserved the matter for its decision.No further arguments will take place in the case now; only the judgement remains, which the court will pronounce in due course.According to an arrangement in 2003, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.
