Bhojshala complex row: SC asks govt to provide nearby site for Friday namaz

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Madhya Pradesh government to make suitable arrangements for members of the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers at a site adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar. The court also said that, if required, another nearby location could be identified with the mutual consent of both sides.The order came after the Muslim side told the court that the alternate site identified by the state government was too far from the disputed complex and did not comply with the apex court's earlier directions.A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified its interim order passed earlier this month and said members of the Muslim community would be permitted to offer Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm at Khasra No 596, which was stated to be Dargah land adjoining the disputed site.The bench directed the Madhya Pradesh government to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate prayers at the site.The top court also observed that if the identified land was found to be unsuitable, the state government and the Muslim community could identify another nearby place with mutual consent.According to the court, the site plan placed before it showed that Khasra No 596 had an independent access road and appeared to be suitable as it was adjacent to the disputed premises.The clarification came on an application filed by the Muslim side, which said the interim arrangement currently in place required worshippers to offer Friday prayers at a location around one kilometre away from the Bhojshala complex.Earlier this week, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the Muslim side, told the court that the land identified by the state government was much farther than what the court had intended while directing that an adjacent site be provided.Representing the Madhya Pradesh government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had assured the court that he would personally examine the issue after the Muslim side objected to the distance of the alternate site.The dispute relates to the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had said the existing arrangement at the disputed site would remain temporary and subject to the final outcome of the pending appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh high court's judgment declaring Bhojshala to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.The apex court had also directed that if the Archaeological Survey of India undertakes any structural alterations at the disputed complex, they should not be implemented without its permission. The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.