Madhya Pradesh High Court rules Bhojshala complex is a temple, quashes 2003 ASI order.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the disputed Bhojshala complex and Kamal Maula Mosque in Dhar district is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), allowing the Hindu community to worship there while dismissing Muslim community claims. The court quashed a 2003 ASI order that permitted Muslims to offer Friday prayers at the site. The ruling, a 242-page order by Justices Vinay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi, rejected the Muslim side's argument that a 1935 proclamation declared the site a mosque. The court directed the Union government to retrieve an idol of Goddess Saraswati from the London Museum and re-establish it in the monument, emphasizing scientific survey findings.
Key Points
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).
- The court quashed a 2003 ASI order that had allowed the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers at the site.
- The ruling dismissed petitions from Muslim and Jain communities, suggesting Muslims seek alternate land for a mosque.
- The court directed the Union government to retrieve the idol of Goddess Saraswati from the London Museum for re-establishment.
- The judgment relied on scientific survey findings, rejecting the Muslim side's claims about a 1935 proclamation.
Exam Facts
- Location: Bhojshala complex and Kamal Maula Mosque, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Deity: Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).
- Court: Madhya Pradesh High Court (Division Bench of Justices Vinay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi).
- Quashed order: 2003 order of Archaeology Survey of India (ASI).
- Historical reference: Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid verdict.
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