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‘It's a Hindu temple’: How Ayodhya judgment's ‘10 principles’ shaped MP HC's Bhojshala verdict
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), drawing on principles from the 2019 Ayodhya judgment. It quashed the 2003 ASI order regulating worship at the site, recommended separate land for Muslims for a mosque, and rejected a Jain claim.
Why It Matters
The ruling shows Ayodhya-era legal principles influencing decisions on contested religious sites, potentially shaping future temple-mosque disputes and access arrangements.
Timeline
4 Events
May 15, 2026 verdict: Bhojshala renamed as Hindu temple and land-for-mosque proposal
May 15, 2026
The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque structure in Dhar a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). It quashed the 2003 ASI order, asked the state government to consider allotting separate land within Dhar district to Muslims for a mosque, and noted that the Jain claim could not convince the bench. The decision also addressed the broader question of whether the main structure was a temple or a mosque.
Ayodhya judgment influence cited by MP HC
2019
The MP High Court's ruling drew, to a notable degree, on principles from the Supreme Court's 2019 Ayodhya judgment.
ASI order regulating worship at the site in 2003
2003
In 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India issued an order regulating worship at the site, allowing Muslims access for Friday namaz, Hindus to observe Basant Panchami ceremonies, and access on Tuesdays.
ASI control of Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex since 1904
1904
The monument had been under Archaeological Survey of India's control since 1904.