INDORE: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Fridaydeclared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. It added that the Muslim community could approach the state government regarding allotment for a separate land in the district for construction of a mosque.
While hearing the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute, the High Court stated in its verdict that there were indications of a Sanskrit teaching centre as well as a temple of Goddess Saraswati in Bhojshala, PTI reported.
Notably, the matter is related to the religious nature of the Archaeological Survey of India-protected monument in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district.
Post the High Court’s order, Dhar Shahar Qazi Waqar Sadiq said, “We will review the decision that has been given against us. We will challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court.”
Taking about the case, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said that the High Court has partially set aside the ASI’s order dated April 7, 2003.
“Furthermore, the Court has granted the Hindu side the right to worship and has recognised the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj. Regarding our demand for the repatriation of the idol currently housed in a London museum, the Court has directed the government to consider this request; the Court also noted that the Muslim side is free to present its views before the government as well. Additionally, the Court has asked the government to consider allocating alternative land to the Muslim side. The Court has granted us the right to perform worship rituals and has directed the government to oversee the management of the site.”
The Hindu community considers Bhojshala to be a temple that is dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati). The Muslim side, on the other hand, called it Kamal Maula Mosque. Also, a plea from the Jain community claimed that the disputed complex was a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.
Due to the controversy, the ASI had on April 7, 2003 issued an order permitting Hindus to worship at the complex every Tuesday and Muslims to offer namaz on every Friday. However, the Hindu side had challenge the order in the Hugh Court, seeking exclusive rights to worship at the complex.
Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi of the Indore bench of the High Court started regular hearings on the matter on April 6. After hearing all the sides concerning five petitions and one write appeal, the court reserved its decision on May 12.
Agencies