Bhojshala Dispute: Supreme Court to Hear Plea Over Friday Namaz Site, Seeks Compliance With Earlier Order

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (22 July) agreed to hear on Friday a fresh application filed by the Muslim side in the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula dispute after allegations that the Madhya Pradesh government had failed to comply with its earlier interim order regarding arrangements for Friday namaz near the disputed complex in Dhar.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana took note of the submissions and asked the authorities to work towards identifying a site closer to the disputed premises before the next hearing.

Background of the Case

The dispute relates to the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. Hindu parties claim it is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while the Muslim side regards it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

On May 15, 2026, the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that the religious character of the disputed structure is that of a temple and set aside the 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrangement that had permitted Friday namaz. The judgment was challenged before the Supreme Court.

On July 14, 2026, the apex court passed an interim order directing the State to provide the Muslim community with an open space adjacent to or near the disputed site for offering Friday prayers between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, without affecting the rights of either side.

Court Observation

Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the Muslim petitioners, told the Bench that the site provided by the administration was around two kilometres away, contrary to the Court's direction. He submitted that Friday prayers had already been missed because of the distance and sought urgent listing.

Appearing for the State, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the allotted land was about 900 metres away and informed the Court that discussions were underway to identify a more suitable location.

During the hearing, Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed,

"The order has to be followed in letter and spirit."

Mehta also assured the Bench,

"I will personally look into this and rectify."

Court's Decision

The Bench directed that the matter be listed for hearing on July 24, 2026, and asked the authorities to identify an alternative site adjacent to or near the Bhojshala complex in the meantime.