Heavy security blanketed Dhar in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, 22 May as members of the Hindu community prepared to perform the Mahaarti at the Bhojshala complex between 1 pm and 3 pm IST, following a landmark Madhya Pradesh High Court verdict that declared the disputed site a Hindu temple. Extensive deployment of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was put in place to ensure the event proceeded without incident.

Background of the Dispute

The Bhojshala complex has been at the heart of a long-running communal dispute. Hindus regard it as an ancient centre of Sanskrit learning established during the reign of Raja Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty in the 11th century, housing a temple dedicated to Vagdevi, or Goddess Saraswati. Muslims have traditionally referred to a portion of the site as the Kamal Maula Mosque and had been offering namaz there on Fridays for decades under a previous arrangement sanctioned by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2003.

The High Court Verdict

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court delivered its verdict on 15 May, declaring the religious character of the disputed site as that of a Hindu temple. The court quashed the 2003 ASI order that had permitted restricted access for both communities, directing authorities to facilitate full worship rights for Hindus and suggesting that alternative land be identified for a mosque. The judgment drew on historical records, archaeological evidence, inscriptions, structural features linked to Raja Bhoj's era, and principles from the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict in reaching its conclusion.

Muslim Community's Legal Response

In response to the ruling, the Muslim community filed a special leave petition before the Supreme Court, describing the High Court order as one-sided and maintaining that namaz had been offered continuously at the site for the past 700 years. Some community leaders had initially announced plans to offer namaz on Friday but later stepped back, placing their faith in the judicial process at the apex court level.

Security Measures and Administration's Stand

Dhar Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma, in a video message posted on his official X handle on 20 May, urged all citizens to strictly comply with the High Court's directives. 'All citizens shall strictly comply with the directives of the Hon'ble High Court regarding the Bhojshala complex. Avoid rumours, misleading, and inflammatory social media posts. Cooperate with the administration in maintaining peace, communal harmony, and law and order,' he said.

Sharma confirmed that only the puja permitted under the court's directions would be conducted at the premises. Security arrangements included units from the Rapid Action Force, Quick Reaction Force, and State Task Force, deployed both inside and outside the complex and across the city. He issued a stern warning that any attempt to disturb the atmosphere on Friday would meet a response 'stronger than they could imagine.'

The District Collector and local police conducted multiple peace committee meetings and organised flag marches and community interactions to reassure residents. Organisers had earlier planned a 'Shobha Yatra' procession but cancelled it to maintain calm, according to Ashok Jain, patron of the Hindu Utsav Samiti.

What to Watch Next

The Supreme Court is expected to take up the Muslim community's special leave petition in the coming days, making the apex court's response the next critical juncture in this long-running dispute. Both communities have indicated they will respect the legal framework while pursuing their respective positions through appropriate judicial channels. The verdict has drawn nationwide attention, and the situation in Dhar remains under close watch.