Supreme Court Allows Hindu Prayers on Basant Panchami at Bhojshala Amid Ongoing Dispute

New Delhi, January 22 (TNA) The Supreme Court of India has permitted Hindu devotees to conduct prayers from sunrise to sunset at the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque site in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, on Basant Panchami, observed on January 23, 2026.

This order comes as the festival coincides with Friday, traditionally reserved for Muslim namaz at the site under a 2003 ASI arrangement. The court has also scheduled Muslim prayers from 1 pm to 3 pm, with directives for separate areas and strict law-and-order measures by local authorities.

A court-directed ASI scientific survey, completed in 2024 and submitted in a sealed cover, uncovered over 1,700 artifacts including 37 idols of Hindu deities like Vagdevi (Saraswati), Ganesha, and others, along with temple architectural elements.

Hindu groups argue these remains confirm the site’s origins as a Saraswati temple built by King Bhoja in the 11th century, later repurposed. The Madhya Pradesh High Court is yet to open and act on the detailed 2,000-page report.

Both communities must cooperate with district administration, with the Supreme Court emphasizing mutual respect and no changes to the site’s status quo. Security has been heightened in Dhar, including a no-fly zone around the 300-meter radius of the complex. The bench, led by CJI Surya Kant, also allowed the High Court to unseal the ASI report for further proceedings.

Bhojshala, an ASI-protected monument, sees Hindus worship on Tuesdays and Muslims offer namaz on Fridays per the 2003 agreement. Disputes intensified with the 2024 survey ordered by the High Court, amid claims that namaz overlooks Hindu historical evidence. Basant Panchami holds special significance as the day dedicated to Maa Saraswati, drawing thousands of devotees annually.