Controversial Bhojshala Structure Declared a Temple by High Court: Owaisi Responds

Owaisi's Strong Opposition

Asaduddin Owaisi, a member of parliament from AIMIM, has expressed strong disapproval regarding the Madhya Pradesh High Court's ruling that designates the disputed Bhojshala structure as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. He likened this decision to the Babri Masjid verdict and expressed hope that the Supreme Court would overturn it. In a post on X, Owaisi stated, "We are optimistic that the Supreme Court will resolve this issue and annul this order, which bears clear similarities to the Babri Masjid case." The Muslim side has also indicated plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding this ruling. Kazi Waqas Sadiq from Dhar city informed a news agency that they will review the decision against them and challenge it in the Supreme Court.

Court's Decision on Bhojshala Complex

In a landmark ruling, the High Court declared the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, as a temple of Goddess Saraswati on Friday. The court also stated that the Muslim community could contact the state government for separate land allocation to construct a mosque. While delivering the verdict on the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque dispute, the court noted evidence of a Sanskrit learning center and a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati at the site. This dispute pertains to the religious identity of a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The Hindu community regards Bhojshala as a temple, whereas the Muslim community identifies it as Kamal Maula mosque. Additionally, a Jain petitioner has claimed that the disputed site is a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy surrounding the Bhojshala complex began when the Archaeological Survey of India issued an order on April 7, 2003, allowing Hindus to pray there every Tuesday and Muslims every Friday. The Hindu side challenged this order in the High Court, seeking exclusive rights to worship at the site. The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, comprising Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi, commenced regular hearings on five petitions and a writ appeal related to this dispute on April 6 of this year. After listening to all parties amidst conflicting religious beliefs, historical claims, complex legal provisions, and thousands of documents related to the disputed monument, the bench reserved its judgment on May 12. During the hearings, petitioners from Hindu, Muslim, and Jain communities presented detailed arguments, each seeking exclusive rights to worship at the monument for their respective communities.