Hindus Offer Prayers at Bhojshala as High Court Declares it a Temple

On May 16, 2025, Hindu devotees entered the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, to offer prayers following a landmark ruling by the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The court declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. This verdict effectively set aside a 2003 arrangement by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that had allowed Muslims to offer Friday prayers at the site.

The High Court's 242-page order relied heavily on a scientific survey conducted by the ASI. The report indicated that a massive structure from the Parmar dynasty predated the mosque and that the current building incorporated reused temple components. The court observed evidence of a Sanskrit teaching centre and a Saraswati temple existing at the site. It also suggested the state government could consider allotting alternative land for a mosque if requested by the Muslim community.

Following the verdict, security was tightened with around 1,200 police personnel deployed at the complex. Authorities warned against circulating objectionable content on social media. Political reactions were mixed; MP CM Mohan Yadav and BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari welcomed the decision, acknowledging the site's historical identity as Bhojshala. However, Muslim organizations and leaders sharply criticized the ruling.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi called the judgment "erroneous," alleging the court ignored constitutional safeguards and the Places of Worship Act. Congress leaders and Muslim representatives stated they would challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court. The Jain community also expressed intent to appeal, maintaining that evidence pointed to the site's origins as a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.