Supreme Court Directs Open Space for Friday Prayers Near Bhojshala

The Supreme Court stated on Tuesday that an open area adjacent to the Bhojshala complex should be allocated for the Muslim community to perform their Friday prayers. In its ruling, the court emphasized that, considering the rights of both parties, it instructs the state government to provide the applicants with an open space for prayers between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Necessary arrangements and management must be ensured for this purpose.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice regarding a petition filed by the Muslim side against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision in the Bhojshala case. Notices have been sent to the central government, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Hindu Front for Justice, and other Hindu groups. The court clarified that the Muslim community will not be able to pray at the Bhojshala temple, and alternative arrangements for prayers will be made. The existing arrangements at the Bhojshala temple will remain unchanged.

Given the sensitivity of the Bhojshala issue, the Supreme Court urged both Hindu and Muslim communities to exercise patience on Tuesday, indicating its readiness to conduct daily hearings to resolve the matter. The court is reviewing appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order, which designated the disputed Bhojshala area in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Chief Justice Suryakant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana emphasized the need for caution in the choice of words, as these are highly sensitive matters. Careless statements in court could lead to unnecessary disputes or misinterpretations. We must be very careful with every word used.