Madhya Pradesh High Court Starts Daily Hearings in Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque Dispute
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Indore, April 6 (NationPress) The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has officially initiated ongoing hearings regarding the contentious and historically significant Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute in Dhar district.
The hearing, lasting nearly two hours, was overseen by a Division Bench that included Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi. Senior Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu petitioners, including Ashish Goyal and the Hindu Front for Justice, presented comprehensive arguments.
The Hindu representatives contended that the disputed site is fundamentally a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and should not be classified as a mosque.
Advocate Jain further stated that Bhojshala was erected by King Bhoj in the 10th-11th century as a pivotal center for Sanskrit learning and education.
He accentuated its profound connections to ancient Indian architectural and educational traditions, backed by historical documents and structures.
The petitioners referenced the scientific survey report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a substantial document exceeding 2,000 pages, provided following the court's 2024 directive. They underscored intricate carvings and sculptures on the pillars that signify the site’s ancient Hindu religious characteristics.
Additionally, they brought attention to a board installed in 1935, which outlines historical facts about Bhojshala, after which disputes reportedly escalated.
The legal team also noted the absence of historical evidence supporting the existence of a mosque at the location. They pointed out that even members of the Muslim community previously referred to it as King Bhoj’s Madrasa (school).
The Hindu petitioners called for the return of the Goddess Saraswati statue, currently housed in a museum in London, to be reinstated at the site, as well as demanding unrestricted rights for daily Hindu worship and a prohibition on Namaz being offered at the complex.
The Bench assured that all involved parties would be accorded a full and fair opportunity to present their arguments and evidence sequentially.
The next hearing is set for Tuesday (April 7, 2026), where the opposing parties are expected to present their submissions.
With the decision to conduct daily hearings, the protracted dispute, which has seen numerous petitions, appears to be moving toward a significant judicial resolution shortly.