Bhojshala complex is a temple of Vagdevi, Hindus have the right to worship: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday recognized the disputed Bhojshala complex as a temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).The Indore bench of the high court said, “We have noted the continuity of Hindu worship at the site through regulated worship over time, which has never ceased.”It further said, “We have recorded a finding that historical literature and records establish that the character of the disputed area was Bhojshala as a center of Sanskrit learning associated with King Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty and literary and architectural references associated with the period of King Bhoj indicate the existence of a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati at the site.”The court also said that the Indian government may consider bringing back the idol of Goddess Vagdevi from the British Museum in London.It further said that Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society or any other new waqf body can request alternative land in Dhar for setting up the mosque.The court said the overall administration of the property will remain with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which will also ensure its maintenance.Reacting to the verdict, lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain said, “The Indore High Court has delivered a landmark judgment partially setting aside the ASI order dated April 7, 2003. Further, the court has granted the Hindu side the right to perform puja and has recognized the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj. With regard to our demand for the return of the statue currently housed in the London Museum, the court has directed the government to consider this request; the court also said that the Muslim side The government is also free to present its views.“

Additionally, the court has asked the government to consider allotting alternative land to the Muslim side. The court has given us the right to perform puja rituals and directed the government to oversee the management of the site. The previous order of ASI, which had given the right to offer Namaz, has been completely overruled; From now on, only Hindu worship will take place there.”

security tightened

Police have tightened security in Dhar district.The legal conflict involves the determination of the religious character of the monument in Dhar district.Dhar District Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena has appealed to the people to maintain peace in the district and avoid spreading misleading information or rumours.In a video released by the Public Relations Office, he said, “The court’s verdict regarding the ancient structure protected by the ASI in Dhar district is expected. We appeal to all citizens to maintain peace in the district and not pay attention to misinformation or rumours. The district administration is keeping a watch on such misinformation and rumors and strict action will be taken against any untoward information received in this regard.”Later speaking to ANI, he said that additional police forces have been deployed to maintain peace in the areas.“Executive magistrate and police force have been deployed and we are keeping an eye on all important aspects,” he said.Hindus argue that the Bhojshala complex, located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, is a temple dedicated to the goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it is the site of the Kamal Maula Mosque.On May 12, the Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court reserved its decision after the final arguments. A division bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi was hearing the case regularly since April 6 and heard all concerned parties, including the petitioners, respondents, interveners and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).“The case is being heard regularly from April 6, 2026 and the case has been heard for approximately 25 days. During this period, the court heard all the parties, including the petitioner, respondent, intervener and the ASI, for approximately 60 hours. Bhoj Utsav Committee’s lawyer Shrish Dubey said, after hearing all the parties, the proceedings in the case ended today.He also said that the counsel representing ASI responded to all the deficiencies pointed out in the ASI survey and the questions raised thereon.“The final arguments in the case have now concluded, and the next hearing will be for verdict. Dubey said, “I am confident that the decision will come after the court holidays.”On the other hand, ASI’s counsel Aviral Khare said that during the final arguments, he responded to all the objections raised regarding the ASI survey report.“We informed the court that the survey conducted at the Bhojshala premises was conducted as per the directions of the court and with complete impartiality and transparency. Khare said, the ASI survey report runs into over 2,000 pages and contains a detailed description of every aspect, including the methods used, court directions, how and where the survey was conducted, what findings were made at various locations and the conclusions reached by the ASI after analytical studies and investigation.He said the final arguments of all the parties were completed on Tuesday and the court has reserved the matter for its decision. There will be no further debate in the matter; Only the verdict is left, which the court will pronounce at the appropriate time.According to an arrangement in 2003, Hindus offer prayers in the complex from sunrise to sunset on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.