Supreme Court Orders Separate Namaz Space Near Bhojshala, Restrains ASI from Structural Changes

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that members of the Muslim community be provided a separate open space adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district to offer Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm . The bench clarified that the arrangement is purely ad hoc and will remain subject to the final outcome of the pending appeals.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana also directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) not to undertake any structural changes at the site without the apex court's permission.

Calling the dispute a highly sensitive matter , the court urged both the Hindu and Muslim sides to exercise patience and said it was prepared to hear the case on a day-to-day basis to ensure an early resolution.

The apex court is hearing appeals against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's May 15 judgment , which held that the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati . The High Court had also quashed a decades-old ASI order permitting the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers at the site.

Emphasising restraint, the Chief Justice observed that remarks made in court could unintentionally create controversy or send the wrong message. The bench noted that this was the first time the issue relating to the interim arrangement had come before it and also took note of the High Court's order and the State's difficulties in maintaining law and order . It indicated that the matter could be listed before an appropriate bench within 10 to 15 days .

The appeals were mentioned for urgent hearing on Monday by senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi and advocate Nizam Pasha , appearing for the Muslim appellants. After directing the petitioners to remove procedural defects, the Chief Justice assured them of an early listing, paving the way for the Supreme Court's interim directions and expedited hearing.