Dhar, Madhya Pradesh – The contentious Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar is once again at the center of a heated dispute, as Hindu and Muslim groups clash over religious practices at the site. The heart of the issue revolves around claims made by some Muslim leaders, alleging they were directed to conduct prayers in a graveyard, sparking outrage and further inflaming tensions surrounding the historical monument.
Hindus consider Bhojshala to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims regard it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected 11th-century monument has been a focal point of religious, social, and political tension for decades.
The current controversy arose as both communities prepared to observe their respective religious practices. Hindus sought to perform traditional rituals on Basant Panchami, while Muslims intended to offer namaz. This year, Basant Panchami fell on Friday, creating a potential conflict with the regular Friday namaz.
The Supreme Court intervened on Thursday, allowing Hindu prayers from sunrise to sunset on Basant Panchami, while also permitting Muslims to offer namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm on the same day. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi appealed to both sides to observe mutual respect and cooperate with the state and district administration for maintenance of law and order. The court also directed that a list of people from the Muslim community coming for Namaz be furnished to the district administration.
Adding to the complexity, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously ordered the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala complex to determine the true character of the site. The ASI submitted a report in July 2024, which reportedly revealed evidence of pre-existing temple structures, including Sanskrit inscriptions and defaced Hindu deities. The report also stated that the existing mosque structure was constructed using parts from earlier temples at the site. The Supreme Court clarified that the ASI's survey was intended to identify the site's true character and that no actions should be taken based on the survey's outcome that would alter the site.
The Hindu Front for Justice (HFJ) filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the ASI's 2003 arrangement, seeking exclusive rights for Hindus to offer prayers on Basant Panchami. The 2003 ASI order permits Muslims to offer Friday namaz at the site between 1 pm and 3 pm, while allowing Hindus to perform traditional rituals on Basant Panchami and granting them exclusive access every Tuesday. However, it does not specify arrangements for years when Basant Panchami falls on a Friday. January 23 marks only the fourth such coincidence after 2006, 2013 and 2016.
In light of the sensitive situation, approximately 8,000 police personnel, including forces from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed across Dhar district. Authorities are closely monitoring CCTV surveillance, foot and vehicle patrols, and social media activity.
The Supreme Court has requested the Madhya Pradesh High Court to unseal the ASI survey report, provide copies to all parties involved, and take their objections into account during the final hearing. The court has directed all parties to maintain the status quo at the site until the High Court makes a decision regarding the site's character alteration and to abide by the ASI's 2003 order.
As Basant Panchami approaches, the focus remains on maintaining peace and order while respecting the religious sentiments of both communities. The Supreme Court has appealed to both sides to observe mutual respect and trust. The coming days will be critical in determining whether a harmonious resolution can be achieved at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex.
