Supreme Court Review Sought on Bhojshala Complex Dispute

A new appeal has been submitted to the Supreme Court challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling that identified the Bhojshala complex, situated in Dhar district, as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. This contested site is also claimed by the Muslim community as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

Supreme Court Review Sought on Bhojshala Complex Dispute
ASI team going to conduct survey at Bhojshala complex (Photo/ANI)
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An appeal has been made to the Supreme Court against a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling regarding the status of the Bhojshala complex. The high court had previously determined that the site, located in Dhar, is primarily a temple for Goddess Saraswati, which has been contested by the Muslim community who regard it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

The Bhojshala complex is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The current dispute stems from a high court decision that quashed a 2003 ASI order allowing Muslims to offer namaz at the site on Fridays. The court suggested that Muslims could seek alternative land for a mosque from the state government.

This complex has historical ties to the Parmar dynasty, which ruled the region from the 9th to 14th centuries. The ASI's extensive scientific research has unearthed evidence of the site's ancient temple origins. Amidst this legal battle, the Hindu community has filed a caveat requesting that no Supreme Court rulings be issued without their input.

Other communities have also laid claims to the site, with a Jain petitioner asserting it was once a medieval Jain temple and learning center. As the controversy continues, the legal proceedings are closely monitored by differing religious factions hopeful for a resolution.

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