Temple or Mosque? Supreme Court Takes Up Appeals in Madhya Pradesh's Bhojshala Case

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to list for hearing a batch of appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict that declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar district a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati .

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant , along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohna , was informed by counsel appearing for the Muslim appellants that the matter required urgent consideration. The court directed the petitioners to remove procedural defects in the appeals and assured that the case would be listed before an appropriate bench soon.

The controversy stems from the High Court's May 15 judgment, which held that the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The court also set aside a decades-old order of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that had permitted members of the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers at the site.

In its ruling, the High Court further observed that the Centre and the ASI may take decisions regarding the administration and management of the protected monument.

The dispute has long been a sensitive and closely watched issue in Madhya Pradesh. The Hindu community regards Bhojshala as an ancient temple devoted to Goddess Saraswati, while the Muslim side identifies the 11th-century structure as the Kamal Maula Mosque . The monument remains under the protection of the ASI.

Following the High Court verdict, Muslim parties approached the Supreme Court seeking relief. Hindu parties have also filed caveats, requesting that no order be passed in the matter without first hearing their side.

With the apex court now set to take up the appeals, the Bhojshala dispute enters a crucial new phase that could shape the future of one of the country's most debated heritage and faith-related cases.