Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Alternate Namaz Site Near Bhojshala Complex on July 24

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on July 24 a plea filed by the Muslim side seeking an alternate site for offering Friday namaz closer to the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

The matter relates to the implementation of the court's earlier interim directions regarding arrangements for prayers while the larger dispute over the Bhojshala complex remains pending.

What Is the Dispute?

The Muslim side has argued that the alternate location identified by the Madhya Pradesh government for offering Friday prayers is not close enough to the disputed Bhojshala complex.

During the hearing, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that the court had earlier directed the state government to provide an open space near the disputed site.

According to the petitioners, the location currently identified by the authorities is approximately 2 kilometres away, making it difficult to comply with the spirit of the court's earlier directions.

State Government's Response

Representing the Madhya Pradesh government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta disputed the distance claimed by the petitioners and informed the court that the identified site is around 900 metres from the Bhojshala complex.

He assured the bench that he would personally examine the matter and take appropriate steps if any modifications were required.

Supreme Court's Observations

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, observed that its earlier directions should be implemented in both "letter and spirit."

The court asked the Solicitor General to obtain instructions from the state government on whether a site adjacent to the disputed complex could be made available for Friday prayers.

The matter has now been listed for hearing on July 24.

Earlier Interim Directions

During an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had directed the Madhya Pradesh government to identify a separate open space near the Bhojshala complex where members of the Muslim community could offer Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm until the dispute is finally resolved.

The interim arrangement was intended to balance religious practices while legal proceedings over the status of the Bhojshala complex continue before the court.

Background of the Bhojshala Case

The present proceedings arise from appeals challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court judgment that declared the disputed Bhojshala complex to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

The Supreme Court is currently examining those appeals, while interim arrangements regarding worship and prayer at or near the disputed site remain under judicial consideration.

Key Highlights

• The Supreme Court will hear the Bhojshala alternate namaz site plea on July 24.
• The Muslim side says the alternate prayer site identified by the state is too far from the disputed complex.
• The Madhya Pradesh government maintains the site is approximately 900 metres away.
• The Solicitor General has assured the court that the issue will be reviewed.
• The Supreme Court has directed the state to consider providing a site adjacent to the disputed complex.
• The larger Bhojshala dispute remains pending before the apex court.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the Supreme Court hearing the matter?

The court is hearing a plea seeking an alternate Friday namaz site closer to the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.

What is the Muslim side's argument?

The petitioners contend that the alternate site identified by the state government is too far from the disputed complex and does not comply with the court's earlier directions.

What has the Madhya Pradesh government said?

The state, through the Solicitor General, told the court that the identified site is around 900 metres away and assured that the matter would be examined.

What did the Supreme Court observe?

The court said its earlier order should be implemented in both "letter and spirit" and sought instructions on providing a site adjacent to the disputed complex.

What is the larger Bhojshala dispute?

The case concerns appeals against a Madhya Pradesh High Court judgment declaring the Bhojshala complex to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

When will the matter be heard next?

The Supreme Court has listed the matter for hearing on July 24.