The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore bench recognized the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, and directed the Centre and ASI to decide administration and management. It quashed an ASI order from April 7, 2003 that allowed Friday namaz inside the complex. The court relied on ASI’s 2024 scientific survey, saying the site predates the mosque and was built using repurposed temple components. Mosque representatives may seek separate land to build a mosque.
Muslim petitioners have announced they will challenge a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling that declared the disputed Bhojshala structure in Dhar as a Saraswati temple. Their lawyer says the Archaeological Survey of India scientific survey and report relied on by the court were “flawed”. He also argued the matter should not have been handled under Article 226 writ jurisdiction and instead should go to a civil court. Hindu petitioners have filed a Supreme Court caveat, while the High Court’s decision quashed an ASI 2003 order permitting Friday prayers.
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