Following the Supreme Court’s interim order in the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, the Muslim community was allowed to offer prayers between 1 pm and 2 pm on Friday . However, local residents have protested the land on which the prayers are permitted.
During the hearing on July 30, the Supreme Court granted interim permission to offer Friday prayers on land located behind the Bhojshala complex, Khasra Nos. 596 and 611. It also directed the Madhya Pradesh government to ensure security and other necessary arrangements.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, residents living nearby have begun protesting. They say they have been farming the land in question for years, and some families also own homes in the area. Villagers allege that regular prayers will impact their livelihoods and farming.
The protesters have clearly stated that they will not support allowing namaz in Khasra numbers 596, 611, or 612. They say that if alternative arrangements are to be made, they should be made at a location away from the Bhojshala complex. A large number of women also joined the protest.
What did the Supreme Court say?
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant , Justice Joymala Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan granted the interim order while hearing a petition filed by the Muslim side. The court clarified that prayers can be offered on Fridays at designated times on land near the disputed premises.
The Muslim side had asked the court to provide a suitable alternative location for Friday prayers. This demand arose following the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s decision, which deemed the disputed Bhojshala complex a temple. This decision has been challenged in the Supreme Court.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had refused to accept the demand to restore the previous arrangements at the disputed complex. Pending the final hearing of the case, prayers have been permitted at the designated site as an interim arrangement.