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MP HC declares Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a Saraswati temple; Hindu side to worship and pursue further action
On May 15, 2026, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and directed land for a mosque. The court partially reversed the 2003 ASI order restricting Hindu worship and affirmed Hindu worship rights, signaling possible further proceedings in the Supreme Court. Hindu advocates hailed the decision as historic, while critics raised constitutional concerns.
Why It Matters
The verdict has broad implications for religious rights, heritage status, and the interpretation of the Places of Worship Act, with potential for further litigation and contested claims over historical sites.
Timeline
9 Events
Owaisi criticizes ruling; warns of a 'floodgate' of similar claims
May 16, 2026
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the ruling as inconsistent with constitutional values, warned it could open a floodgate for challenges to other places of worship, and questioned the interpretation of the Places of Worship Act.
Advocate Jain calls the verdict historic; Bhojshala recognised as belonging to Raja Bhoj
May 15, 2026
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain described the verdict as historic and said the court recognised the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj.
Return of idol from London; government to consider the request
May 15, 2026
The Hindu side's advocate stated the court directed the government to consider the request for the return of an idol housed in a London museum while allowing the Muslim side to present its views.
Court affirms Hindu worship rights under Article 25 and ASI Act Section 16
May 15, 2026
The court held the religious character of the site as a Bhojshala with a temple of goddess Saraswati and directed that Hindu worship may be performed; it also ended the arrangement allowing namaz at the site.
Court sets aside parts of the ASI 2003 order restricting worship
May 15, 2026
The judgment partially set aside the ASI's April 7, 2003 order, which had restricted Hindu worship at the site while permitting Muslim prayers.
Court directs separate land for Muslims to build a mosque
May 15, 2026
The court directed the government to provide separate land to Muslims for the construction of a mosque.
Judgment: Bhojshala recognized as Saraswati temple
May 15, 2026
Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court delivered a 242-page judgment holding the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex to be a temple of goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).
ASI order of April 7, 2003
April 7, 2003
The court references the Archaeological Survey of India's April 7, 2003 order that had restricted Hindu worship while allowing Muslims to offer prayers at the premises.
Protected monument status since March 18, 1904
March 18, 1904
The judgment notes that the Bhojshala site had remained a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 since March 18, 1904.