Supreme Court Directs Madhya Pradesh to Facilitate Friday Prayers for Muslims

Court Orders Arrangements for Friday Prayers

On Friday, the Supreme Court instructed the Madhya Pradesh government to ensure proper arrangements for the Muslim community to perform Friday prayers near the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar. The court also mentioned that if necessary, an alternative location could be selected by mutual agreement between both parties. This directive followed the Muslim side's claim that the alternative site chosen by the state government was significantly distant from the disputed area and did not align with previous Supreme Court instructions. A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud clarified its interim order issued earlier this month, allowing the Muslim community to pray between 1 PM and 3 PM at Khasra number 596, which is adjacent to the disputed site.

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The bench mandated the Madhya Pradesh government to make necessary arrangements for prayers at the designated location. The apex court also stated that if the selected land was found unsuitable, the state government and the Muslim community could mutually agree on another nearby site. According to the site plan presented to the court, there was a separate access route to Khasra number 596, making it appear appropriate as it was adjacent to the disputed complex. This clarification arose from a petition filed by the Muslim side, which indicated that under the current interim arrangement, worshippers had to travel nearly a kilometer away from the Bhojshala complex to perform Friday prayers.

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Earlier this week, senior advocate Huzaifa Ahmadi, representing the Muslim side, informed the court that the land designated by the state government was much farther than what the court had envisioned when directing the provision of a nearby site. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Madhya Pradesh government, assured the court that they would investigate the objections raised by the Muslim side regarding the distance of the alternative site.

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This dispute pertains to the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex located in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court stated that the current arrangement at the disputed site would remain temporary and would depend on the final outcome of pending appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision, which declared Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.