A major court ruling in India has intensified tensions over the disputed Bhojshala Kamal Maula complex in Madhya Pradesh after authorities officially recognised the historic site as a Hindu temple. The decision has ended a worship arrangement that had been in place for more than two decades and has sparked strong reactions from the Muslim community and political leaders.
The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, also known as Vagdevi. Following the verdict, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) issued an order allowing Hindus to perform daily worship at the site without restrictions.
Previously, under a 2003 arrangement, Hindus were allowed to pray on Tuesdays while Muslims could offer Friday prayers at the complex. The latest court order has effectively stopped Muslim prayers at the site, creating concern among community leaders and rights activists.
The court relied on findings from a 2024 ASI report which stated that the structure was built using remains of earlier temples and that the mosque portion was added centuries later. Hindu petitioners welcomed the decision, saying it restores the religious identity of the site.
However, Muslim representatives strongly opposed the ruling and announced plans to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court of India. Dhar city Qazi Waqar Sadiq stated that the Muslim community would not accept alternative land for a new mosque, despite suggestions from the court.
The judgement has also drawn criticism from historians, lawyers, and opposition politicians who argue that the ruling could encourage similar claims against other historic mosques in India. Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi described the decision as a “grave threat” to Muslim places of worship in the country.
The Bhojshala dispute reflects broader religious tensions in India, where debates over historic religious sites have increased significantly in recent years under the rise of Hindu nationalist politics.
