SC permits simultaneous observance at Bhojshala in Dhar on Basant Panchami; orders tight security

 

 

 

The Supreme Court has issued a landmark directive regarding the historic and contested Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district. Anticipating the convergence of Basant Panchami and Friday prayers this week, the Apex Court has charted a time-sharing formula to accommodate the religious sentiments of both communities. A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M Pancholi, while hearing the matter, appealed to both sides to maintain mutual respect and communal harmony. The court emphasised that the onus of maintaining law and order during the religious activities rests entirely with the State and district administration. The Bench further directed the Dhar administration to ensure foolproof security arrangements within and around the premises. Verification of worshippers: In a specific security measure, the court has directed the Muslim community to provide a list of individuals who will be attending the Friday prayers (Namaz) to the district administration in advance.

 

This step is intended to bolster security protocols and facilitate effective crowd management during the high-stakes event. The 11th-century monument, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), remains a flashpoint of contention. While the Hindu community revere it as ‘Bhojshala’, a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi), Muslim community identifies it as the ‘Kamal Maula Mosque’. Under the existing ASI arrangement established on April 7, 2003: Tuesdays: Hindus are permitted to perform puja. Fridays: Muslims are allowed to offer prayers. With Basant Panchami, a major Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, falling on a Friday this year, both parties had approached the court seeking exclusive or priority rights. By bifurcating the schedule, the SC has sought a balanced resolution to prevent any conflict while upholding religious freedom.