LEGAL FLASH: MPHC Backs Bhojshala Temple Claim, Muslim Side Moves Supreme Court Appeal

In a landmark ruling that has reignited the long-standing Bhojshala dispute in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench has recognized the historic Bhojshala complex as the temple of Goddess Vagdevi, revered as Maa Saraswati, while rejecting claims identifying the site as Kamal Maula Mosque. The judgment has triggered celebrations among Hindu groups, with devotees gathering inside the complex to perform prayers, recite Hanuman Chalisa, and conduct religious rituals beyond the previously restricted schedule. For decades, a court-monitored arrangement allowed Hindu worship on Tuesdays and Muslim prayers on Fridays. Following the latest verdict, Hindu organizations claim regular worship rights have now expanded, marking what they describe as a historic correction rooted in archaeological and cultural evidence. The Archaeological Survey of India’s extensive 2024 survey report, spanning over 2,000 pages and based on a 98-day examination, reportedly played a crucial role in the court’s findings. The report highlighted temple-style pillars, carvings of Hindu deities, solar motifs, and architectural similarities with ancient Hindu temple structures. Visuals from the Bhojshala premises showed large gatherings of devotees, including women, participating in prayers and chanting inside the complex shortly after the court order. Hindu representatives hailed the ruling as a victory for heritage and faith, while also renewing demands for the return of the original Vagdevi idol currently housed in a museum in England. Meanwhile, Muslim organizations have strongly opposed the verdict, maintaining that the structure remains a mosque and announcing plans to challenge the High Court decision before the Supreme Court. Community leaders urged restraint, emphasizing that the legal battle is far from over and cautioning against provocative celebrations. The Bhojshala dispute now appears set for another major legal showdown at the nation’s highest court, drawing comparisons to the trajectory of the Ayodhya Ram Temple case.

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