Supreme Court allows Saraswati puja and Friday namaz on same day at the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque in MP’s Dhar

In a major move, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed Hindus to offer prayers from sunrise to sunset on Basant Panchami while also allowing Muslims to offer prayers from 1 pm to 3 pm on the same day at the controversial Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. But, In line with the instructions of the high court, a list of people from the Muslim community who come to prayer is given to the regional administration.

Both communities have sought permission from the Supreme Court to allow Friday prayers along with Hindu prayers on January 23 on the occasion of Basanth Panchami. The Supreme Court bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, urged both parties to abide by mutual respect and cooperate with the state and district administration for maintenance of law and order.

What is the dispute?

Buildings of Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque, An 11th-century monument, preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) It is a controversial site between Hindus and Muslims. While Hindus consider Bhojshala as the temple of Vagdevi (goddess Saraswati), the Muslim community considers it as the Kamal Maula mosque.

As PTI reported, As per an arrangement made by ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja in Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays and Muslims perform ‘namaz’ in the complex on Fridays.