The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted both Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers at the disputed Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on Friday, laying down specific time slots to ensure peaceful observance by both communities.
As per the court’s directions, members of the Hindu community will be allowed to perform prayers from sunrise to sunset on the occasion of Basant Panchami, which falls on Friday this year. Muslims, meanwhile, have been granted permission to offer their Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi also directed that a list of individuals from the Muslim community intending to offer prayers be submitted to the district administration in advance.
Emphasising the need for harmony, the apex court appealed to both communities to maintain mutual respect and extend full cooperation to the state and district authorities to ensure law and order during the observances.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the Hindu Front for Justice (HFJ), which had sought exclusive permission for Hindus to offer prayers at the site on Basant Panchami. The application, filed on January 2 by advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, argued that the Archaeological Survey of India’s 2003 order does not clarify arrangements when Basant Panchami coincides with Friday prayers.
Taking note of the concerns, the Supreme Court opted for a balanced approach, allowing prayers by both communities under regulated conditions to prevent any disruption.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
