Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque Case: MP High Court Judges To Visit Disputed Site

Two judges of the Madhya Pradesh High Court hearing petitions relating to the Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque complex have decided to visit the disputed site.The dispute concerns Bhojshala, an 11th-century monument protected by the ASI. Hindus regard the site as a temple dedicated to Vagdevi, or Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims regard it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. Under a 2003 arrangement by the ASI, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz there on Fridays.The division bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi has now decided to visit the disputed site, before conducting a final hearing in the matter.On March 11, 2024, the High Court had directed the Archaeological Survey of India to undertake an investigation and survey using the latest methods, to determine the real and true character of the site. It had instructed that the survey be carried out by an expert committee of not less than five senior-most ASI officers. It also ordered comprehensive photography of the premises and permitted the opening of locked and sealed rooms to enable scientific examination of artefacts and structural elements found within.Subsequently, on April 1, 2024, the Supreme Court directed that no action should be taken on the outcome of the survey and that no physical excavation should be undertaken, which may alter the character of the site. In January 2026, the Supreme Court disposed of the matter. Following this, the High Court directed all parties to submit their objections and opinions regarding the scientific survey. The court had also ordered that the status quo of the site be maintained in terms of the Supreme Court order dated January 22, 2026.Today, the Court granted permission to the parties to file their reply, counter reply and objections before April 02. It added, "on the next date of hearing, the court will visit the site. It will only be the court visiting the site."Case Title: QAZI ZAKULLAH v THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH [WA - 559/2026]

Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque Case: MP High Court Judges To Visit Disputed Site

Jayanti Pahwa

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