Supreme Court to Hear Muslim Petition on Alternative Prayer Site in Madhya Pradesh
The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition from the Muslim community regarding the distance of an alternative prayer site designated by the Madhya Pradesh government from the Bhojshala complex. The Muslim representatives argue that the site is nearly 2 kilometers away, which contradicts previous court orders. The Solicitor General has been tasked with investigating the matter further. This case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Bhojshala site, which has been declared a temple by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The upcoming hearing aims to address these concerns and ensure compliance with court directives.
| Jul 22, 2026, 12:38 IST
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Muslim Petition
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition from the Muslim community on Friday, which argues that the alternative location designated by the Madhya Pradesh government for prayers is significantly distant from the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan instructed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to consult with the state government regarding the possibility of providing an alternative site closer to the disputed area for prayers. Senior advocate Huzaifa Ahmadi, representing the Muslim side, informed the court that it had previously directed the state to ensure an open space for prayers near the Bhojshala site. However, he claimed that the location selected by the authorities is nearly 2 kilometers away.
Concerns Over Distance of Alternative Site
Ahmadi emphasized that the order specified that the alternative site should be in proximity to Bhojshala. The location provided for Friday prayers is 2 kilometers away, which has prevented them from performing prayers on previous Fridays. In response, Mehta, representing the Madhya Pradesh government, stated that the alternative site is approximately 900 meters from the disputed complex. He assured the bench that he would personally investigate the matter and take necessary actions if required.
Justice Bagchi remarked that the previous court order should be followed both in letter and spirit. Consequently, the bench scheduled the hearing for Friday and instructed the Solicitor General to obtain directions from the state government regarding the availability of a nearby site for prayers.
Background of the Case
On July 14, while hearing appeals from the Muslim community against a decision by the Madhya Pradesh High Court that declared the disputed Bhojshala complex as a temple of Goddess Saraswati, the bench directed the state government to provide a separate open space for Friday prayers between 1 PM and 3 PM until a final decision is reached on the matter. The upcoming hearing will focus on the issue of the alternative prayer site.