The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to stay the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s verdict that declared the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex in Dhar as a temple. However, the court granted interim relief by allowing members of the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers near the disputed site.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said Muslims could offer prayers on Fridays between 1 pm and 3 pm near the site until the matter is heard in detail.

Court Calls for Peace and Restraint

While declining to issue an interim stay, the Bench stressed the need to maintain peace and avoid any action that could disturb public order. “These are sensitive matters. Let us not pass any order which can cause tension or affect the law and order situation,” the CJI said.

The court also said the case would be listed for a final hearing within the next three weeks.

No Structural Changes Without Court Approval

The Supreme Court directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) not to make any structural changes to the Bhojshala monument without first obtaining permission from the court. The direction will remain in force until further orders.

Long-Running Dispute Over the Site

The Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex has been at the centre of a long-standing dispute.

Hindu groups have claimed that the site is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The Muslim community, on the other hand, maintains that it is the Kamal Maula mosque.

What the MP High Court Had Ruled

On May 15, the Madhya Pradesh High Court accepted the findings of an ASI report and ruled that the disputed site was a temple.

The High Court also cancelled a 2003 ASI circular that had allowed Hindus and Muslims to worship at the site on different days.

At the same time, the High Court permitted the Muslim community to approach the authorities for the allotment of an alternative site in Dhar district for the construction of a mosque.