Judgement – Dhar Administration Strengthens Security Ahead of Bhojshala Verdict
Judgement – Authorities in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district have intensified security measures ahead of the expected ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in the long-running Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute. The administration has urged residents to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information as the sensitive case approaches its final stage.
Administration Calls for Public Cooperation
Dhar District Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena appealed to citizens to maintain communal harmony and refrain from circulating rumours related to the court proceedings. In a public message issued through the district’s Public Relations Office, he said the administration was closely monitoring the situation and would take strict action against anyone spreading misleading information.
According to officials, law enforcement agencies have increased surveillance in key areas across the district to ensure that peace is maintained regardless of the court’s eventual decision. The administration has also instructed local officers to stay alert and coordinate closely with security personnel.
Additional Police Deployment Across Sensitive Areas
Speaking to media representatives, Meena confirmed that executive magistrates and additional police personnel have been deployed in several locations identified as sensitive. Authorities are monitoring developments continuously and reviewing security arrangements on a regular basis.
Police officials said precautionary measures were introduced to prevent any disturbance to public order. Security checks have also been strengthened around the Bhojshala complex and nearby areas as a preventive step.
Long-Standing Religious Dispute at the Centre of the Case
The dispute revolves around the religious identity of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex located in Dhar district. Hindu groups maintain that the structure is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi, also known as Saraswati. Muslim organisations, meanwhile, regard the site as the Kamal Maula Mosque and have defended their right to offer prayers there.
The matter has remained legally and socially sensitive for several years, with both communities presenting historical and archaeological arguments before the court.
High Court Reserved Its Verdict After Extensive Hearings
Earlier this week, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court reserved its judgement after completing final hearings in the matter. The case was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi.
The court had been conducting regular hearings since April 6, during which petitioners, respondents, interveners and representatives of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) presented their submissions in detail.
Advocate Shreesh Dubey, representing the Bhoj Utsav Samiti, said the hearings lasted nearly 25 days and involved around 60 hours of arguments from all sides. He stated that issues raised regarding the ASI survey and related findings were addressed during the proceedings.
Dubey also indicated that the final verdict could be delivered after the court vacation, though no official date has yet been announced.
ASI Defends Survey Process Before Court
Counsel representing the Archaeological Survey of India, Aviral Khare, told reporters that the ASI had responded to every objection raised concerning the survey conducted at the Bhojshala complex.
According to Khare, the survey was carried out strictly under the directions of the High Court and followed a transparent and impartial process. He said the ASI report extends beyond 2,000 pages and includes detailed documentation of the survey methods, locations examined, findings recorded and conclusions drawn after technical analysis.
He added that with the completion of final arguments, the legal process has now entered the judgement stage and no further hearings are expected before the verdict is pronounced.
Existing Arrangement at the Bhojshala Complex
Under an arrangement implemented in 2003, Hindus are permitted to perform puja at the Bhojshala complex every Tuesday from sunrise to sunset. Muslims are allowed to offer namaz on Fridays between 1 pm and 3 pm.
The arrangement has remained in force while the legal proceedings over the site’s religious character continue in court.