Disputed Bhojshala Complex is a 'Temple'; High Court delivers verdict

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday delivered a landmark verdict, declaring the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. With this ruling, the bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi effectively cancelled a 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order that had allowed the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers on the premises. While the ASI will retain administrative control over the conservation and preservation of the site, the exclusive right to perform religious rituals has been awarded to the Hindu side.

In its judgment, the High Court observed that historical literature and architectural indications firmly establish the site's original character as a renowned centre of Sanskrit learning associated with Raja Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty. The court noted that the continuity of Hindu worship at the location had never been fully extinguished. Addressing the Muslim community's religious needs, the bench urged them to approach the state government for an alternative allotment of land within the district to construct a separate mosque.

Furthermore, the High Court directed the central government to make formal efforts to repatriate the ancient idol of Goddess Saraswati, which is currently housed in the British Museum in London. The statue was originally installed by the scholar-king Raja Bhoj between 1010 and 1055 AD when the Bhojshala complex flourished as an educational hub. This final decision comes after the bench reserved its verdict on May 12, following extensive hearings that reviewed thousands of historical documents, complex legal provisions, and conflicting religious claims.