Madhya Pradesh High Court Declares Bhojshala Site a Temple in Kamal Maula Mosque Dispute
Bhopal | May 15, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has delivered a major verdict in the long-standing Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute in Dhar. The court declared the disputed site as a temple associated with Goddess Saraswati and accepted the claims made by the Hindu side.
A bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi said that historical records and evidence show that Bhojshala was linked to Raja Bhoj and the Parmar dynasty. According to the court, the site was a centre for Sanskrit education and Hindu worship had never completely stopped there.
The court also made an important observation regarding the Muslim side. It said the Muslim community may approach the state government for allotment of separate land for construction of a mosque elsewhere in the district.
The Muslim side has maintained that the site had been used as the Kamal Maula Mosque for centuries.
The court directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to continue overseeing the protection, maintenance, and preservation of the historical complex. It also asked the government to consider requests made by the Hindu side regarding the return of an idol of Goddess Saraswati currently kept in a museum in London.
Under arrangements made by the ASI in 2003, Hindus were allowed to perform Puja on Tuesdays, while Muslims were allowed to offer Namaz on Fridays at the site. The Hindu side had challenged this arrangement and demanded exclusive rights for worship at the complex.
Earlier, on March 11, 2024, the High Court had ordered the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex. The ASI began the survey on March 22, 2024, and after a detailed 98-day exercise, submitted a report of more than 2,000 pages to the court.
According to the ASI report, a large structure from the Parmar period existed at the site before the current disputed structure, and parts of an old temple were allegedly used in the present building.
However, the Muslim side argued that the ASI report was biased and prepared to support the Hindu claims. After reviewing historical documents, legal arguments, and evidence from all parties, the High Court delivered its judgment.
Legal experts believe the Muslim side may challenge the decision in a higher court, while Hindu organisations have welcomed the verdict as a major victory.
