Supreme Court Grants Permission for Friday Prayers at Controversial Site in Madhya Pradesh

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has granted permission for the Muslim community to hold Friday prayers at the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh. The court mandated that prayers be allowed between 1 PM and 3 PM, while also clarifying that this does not preclude the possibility of finding an alternative location. The decision comes amid ongoing disputes regarding the site's status, with the Madhya Pradesh High Court previously declaring it a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. This ruling highlights the complexities surrounding religious practices and legal interpretations in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 18:23 IST

Supreme Court's Ruling on Friday Prayers

The Supreme Court has authorized the Muslim community to conduct Friday prayers at the site adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The court instructed the state government to ensure that Muslims are allowed to pray between 1 PM and 3 PM on Fridays.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan clarified that this ruling does not prevent the state and the Muslim community from mutually agreeing on an alternative location for Friday prayers.

Previously, on July 14, the court mandated that until a final decision is reached, a separate open area should be made available for prayers during the specified time. Subsequently, the Muslim community, led by Haji Munir Ahmed, approached the Supreme Court, claiming that the alternative site provided was 1.3 kilometers away from the disputed Bhojshala complex, which they argued was too far. They insisted that the location should be close enough for them to see the mosque while praying.

After hearing arguments from senior advocate Huzaifa Ahmadi representing the Muslim side and Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj for the state, the court clarified its previous order. The Chief Justice stated, “The earlier order is clarified to allow the Muslim community to pray on the land identified as Khasra number 596 between 1 PM and 3 PM on Fridays; this land is said to belong to the dargah. The submitted site plan indicates that there is a separate and independent access route, making this site suitable.”

The bench noted, “This order does not prevent both parties from agreeing on another location.” During the hearing, Ahmadi pointed out that suitable waqf land adjacent to the Bhojshala complex was available, but the state administration was refusing to provide it, citing law and order concerns. He remarked, “You cannot bow to those who commit wrong.”

On May 15, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. It also annulled a long-standing order from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that permitted the Muslim community to pray at that location on Fridays.

The High Court further stated that the central government and ASI could make decisions regarding the administration and management of the Bhojshala complex.