The Supreme Court has permitted Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers at the disputed Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar on Friday, 23 January 2026, fixing separate time slots and urging both communities to maintain peace and order.
In a carefully balanced ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India allowed both Hindu and Muslim devotees to offer prayers at the historically sensitive Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, where Basant Panchami and Friday namaz coincide this year.
The bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi permitted Hindus to perform puja from sunrise until sunset, while Muslims were granted a designated 1 pm to 3 pm slot for Friday namaz. The court also asked that a list of Muslim participants be shared with the district administration to aid in planning and crowd management.
Both sides were urged to demonstrate mutual respect and cooperate with authorities to ensure peace and security at the site.
The order comes in response to a petition filed by the Hindu Front for Justice, which had sought unfettered access for Hindus to conduct rituals at Bhojshala during Basant Panchami, asserting that the 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrangement which allows Muslims to offer namaz at the site between 1 pm and 3 pm on Fridays did not cover situations when the festival falls on a Friday.
The Court’s decision tries to honour the rights of both communities while acknowledging the site’s complex history and legal arrangements.
Security Arrangements and Local Preparations Ahead of the Festival
With heightened sensitivity around the event, local authorities in Dhar have put in place extensive security measures ahead of January 23. A no-fly zone has been declared within a 300-metre radius of the Bhojshala complex, and over 6,000 police personnel, including teams from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed to maintain law and order.
Surveillance has been augmented with CCTV cameras, mobile patrols, and fortified barricades. Restrictions on social media activity and aerial devices have also been imposed to curb misinformation and reduce potential flashpoints.
Officials, including senior police and district administrators, have held multiple meetings with community representatives to finalise arrangements and ensure that the day’s activities proceed smoothly without any communal tension.
These preparations reflect the authorities’ attempt to balance religious freedoms and public safety at the contested site.
Historical Context: The Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Dispute
The Bhojshala complex is an 11th-century historical monument under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. For decades, it has been at the centre of competing religious claims: Hindus regard it as a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims consider it the Kamal Maula Mosque.
The ASI’s 2003 arrangement sought to manage these competing claims by allocating Tuesdays for Hindu puja and Fridays for Muslim namaz. However, it did not account for years when Basant Panchami and Friday prayers fall on the same day – as is the case in 2026 – leading to renewed legal and administrative challenges.
In recent years, the dispute has also drawn attention due to legal efforts around a scientific ASI survey to determine the site’s original religious character.
In 2024, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered such a survey, with reports indicating the presence of earlier temple structures and inscriptions, though these findings remain contentious. As parties await further legal clarity, the push for shared access to the site on significant religious days has intensified.
Voices of Political and Community Leaders
The lead-up to Basant Panchami has also seen appeals from political figures urging peaceful conduct. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh called for harmony and adherence to legal arrangements, emphasising that both communities should be allowed to practise their faiths without conflict.
He reiterated that it was the government’s duty to uphold peace and warned against inflammatory rhetoric. Meanwhile, some leaders have criticised such appeals, underscoring the political sensitivities that surround the issue.
Local committees representing devotees from both faiths have expressed their expectations for a peaceful and orderly observance. The Hindu Bhoj Utsav Committee anticipates thousands of worshippers will participate in Basant Panchami rituals, while Muslim representatives have sought a smooth namaz experience without disruption.
These voices highlight the need for careful planning and responsible communication by all stakeholders to prevent any misunderstanding.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Supreme Court’s ruling at Bhojshala is not just a legal judgement; it is a call for shared dignity and coexistence in a diverse society.
By delineating clear time slots and emphasising cooperation, the Court has crafted a framework where religious observances need not become sources of conflict. Yet the success of this arrangement depends on the collective behaviour of citizens, community leaders, and authorities alike.
Peace is not only maintained by security forces, but nurtured through empathy, mutual respect, and a willingness to uphold each other’s rights.
