SC Allows Hindu, Muslim Prayers at MP’s Bhojshala With Separate Time Slots Amid Heavy Security.

Supreme Court Allows Hindu, Muslim Prayers at MP’s Bhojshala With Separate Time Slots; Orders ASI Report to Be Opened.

Sumita Shaw & Uday Mohan | HENB | New Delhi/Dhar | Jan 23, 2026: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a significant interim order permitting both Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers at the historically disputed Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, while laying down strict time slots and enhanced security measures to maintain communal harmony at the sensitive site.

Importantly, the apex court also directed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavation report related to the Dhar site be opened and circulated among all parties, observing that transparency around archaeological findings could play a crucial role in resolving the long-pending dispute.

The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant amid heightened tensions, as Basant Panchami, traditionally associated with Hindu worship at Bhojshala, coincided with Friday namaz this year.

Separate Time Slots for Worship

As per the Supreme Court’s directions, Hindus will be allowed to perform prayers from sunrise to sunset at the Bhojshala Temple on Friday. Muslims will be permitted to offer Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm at the Kamal Maula Mosque, located within the same complex.

The Court clarified that the strict segregation of time slots is intended to avoid overlap of religious activities and reduce the possibility of confrontation, allowing both communities to practice their faith without interference.

ASI Report to Be Opened and Shared

In a key development, the Supreme Court ordered that the ASI’s excavation and survey report of the Bhojshala complex be opened and circulated among the concerned parties. The bench observed that the findings of the archaeological investigation are central to understanding the historical nature of the site and could assist the court in arriving at a final, informed decision.

The ASI had earlier conducted excavations and surveys at the Dhar site amid competing claims over its religious character. However, the report had not been made fully accessible to all stakeholders. The Court’s direction is being seen as an attempt to bring greater transparency and evidentiary clarity to the dispute.

Heavy Security Deployment Ordered

Recognising the sensitivity of the issue, the Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh administration to enforce comprehensive law and order measures.

Nearly 8,000 security personnel—including district police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), MP Armed Force, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and women police units—have been deployed across Dhar district. Authorities are also using drones and CCTV surveillance to closely monitor the area.

The Court further instructed officials to gather advance information about the expected number of Muslim worshippers for Friday prayers to ensure effective crowd management and prevent security lapses.

Basant Panchami Puja Begins Under Tight Watch

Following the apex court’s order, Basant Panchami puja commenced at the Bhojshala complex in the early hours of Friday under heavy security. The historic site was decorated with saffron flags and flowers, and devotees began arriving from sunrise.

Members of the Basantotsav Samiti, along with devotees, installed the idol of Goddess Saraswati (Maa Vagdevi), performed aarti, and offered oblations in the havan kund, marking the beginning of the annual ritual.

Security forces maintained a strong presence not only at the disputed site but throughout Dhar city, with checkpoints, barricades, and patrols deployed to ensure peace.

Long-Standing Dispute

The Bhojshala–Kamal Maula complex, dating back to the 11th century, has long been a flashpoint, with Hindu groups asserting it as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and Muslim groups identifying it as a mosque linked to the Sufi saint Kamal Maula. The dispute has repeatedly surfaced in courts and administrative orders, particularly during major religious occasions.

This year’s overlap of Basant Panchami and Friday prayers intensified tensions, prompting the Supreme Court’s intervention.

Looking Ahead

While the Court’s time-sharing arrangement is being viewed as a temporary mechanism to maintain peace, the direction to open and circulate the ASI report signals a possible move towards a more evidence-based resolution of the dispute.

For now, authorities remain on high alert, with officials warning that any violation of the court-mandated schedule or law and order norms will invite strict action. .. _Inputs from News Nation, Republic Bharat, ABP Live, Aaj Tak, and TV 9 Bhartvarsh.