Supreme Court Order : on Bhojshala Worship Sparks Fresh Political and Religious Debate
Supreme Court Order: Directions permitting the simultaneous conduct of Basant Panchami puja and Friday namaz at the ASI-protected Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district have once again brought the long-standing dispute into national focus. The order, intended as an interim arrangement to maintain peace and balance religious practices, has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders and religious groups, reflecting the unresolved nature of the controversy surrounding the site.
Reaction from Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur
BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur responded to the Supreme Court’s decision by calling it a temporary measure rather than a final resolution. While speaking to a news agency, she expressed respect for the apex court as a constitutional authority but emphasized that the matter of Bhojshala is far from settled. According to her, the current arrangement merely creates a structured system that allows both communities to perform their respective religious activities without conflict.
She further highlighted the historical and religious sentiments associated with the site, stating that the Saraswati temple linked to the Bhojshala complex has not yet received justice. Her remarks point to the broader sentiment among Hindu groups who believe the site holds deep cultural and spiritual significance connected to Goddess Saraswati and ancient Indian learning traditions.
Historical Significance of the Bhojshala Complex
The Bhojshala complex, also known as Kamal Maula Mosque, has been a subject of dispute for decades. Located in the Malwa region, the monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is believed by Hindu groups to be an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. They argue that the structure was historically used as a center of learning and worship.
On the other hand, Muslim groups maintain that the site has functioned as a mosque for centuries, where Friday prayers have traditionally been offered. These competing claims have often led to legal battles, political statements, and concerns over communal harmony, making the Bhojshala issue one of the most sensitive heritage-related disputes in central India.
Supreme Court Directions and State Government Assurances
The Supreme Court issued its directions after hearing a plea related to the conduct of religious rituals on the occasion of Basant Panchami. The Madhya Pradesh government assured the court that adequate law and order arrangements would be in place to prevent any untoward incidents. As part of these measures, the state committed to ensuring separate entry and exit points for Hindu and Muslim devotees, allowing both puja and namaz to take place peacefully on the same day.
The bench also instructed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to share copies of a scientific survey conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India with all concerned parties. This survey is expected to play a crucial role in future legal proceedings, as it examines the historical structure and disputed nature of the Bhojshala complex.
Legal Battle and the Road Ahead
The Supreme Court’s order came while hearing a petition filed by a Hindu organization seeking permission to perform day-long rituals at the site during Basant Panchami. While the interim arrangement has allowed religious observances to proceed without immediate conflict, it does not address the core issue of ownership and historical identity of the monument.
Political observers believe that statements like those made by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur indicate that the dispute will continue to be a significant issue in regional and national discourse. The demand for a permanent resolution, backed by historical evidence and legal clarity, remains strong among various stakeholders.
Impact on Communal Harmony
The Bhojshala dispute has long been a flashpoint for communal tension, but recent court-directed arrangements aim to reduce friction by promoting coexistence. Legal experts note that while such interim measures are useful for maintaining peace, they also underline the complexity of balancing religious freedom with heritage conservation and constitutional values.
As the case progresses, attention will remain focused on the ASI survey findings and subsequent judicial decisions. Until a final verdict is reached, Bhojshala is likely to remain a symbol of India’s broader challenges in addressing historical disputes within a modern legal framework.