Bhojshala Is A Temple: MP High Court Verdict Favours Hindu Side, Security Heightened In Dhar
Security arrangements have been tightened across Dhar to maintain law and order. Prohibitory orders imposed across the district will remain in force till June 5.
Published : May 15, 2026 at 12:52 PM IST
|Updated : May 15, 2026 at 10:28 PM IST
Dhar: In a major ruling, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday declared the 11th-century Bhojshala complex a temple, prompting the district administration to tighten security across Dhar district.
The division bench had reserved its judgment for today (Friday, May 15) after concluding hearings in the long-pending and sensitive dispute involving claims by Hindu, Muslim and Jain communities over the historic monument. While the Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), the Muslim side identified the monument as the Kamal Maula Mosque. At the same time, a petitioner from the Jain community claimed the complex is a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.
During the hearing, petitioners representing Hindu, Muslim and Jain communities sought exclusive rights to worship at the ASI-protected site. All three sides presented arguments seeking specific worship rights and access arrangements at the site, with the Hindu side expressing hope that the court verdict would pave the way for regular puja rituals at the complex.
The division bench reserved its verdict after hearing five petitions and three intervention applications. Detailed arguments were presented by all sides regarding the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey report, historical records and religious claims linked to the monument.
During the proceedings, lawyers representing the Muslim side argued that the ASI did not follow proper procedures while carrying out the survey of the site.
In view of the prevailing situation, nearly 1,200 police personnel have been deployed in and around the Bhojshala Complex in Dhar to maintain law and order. The district administration has stepped up security arrangements and imposed prohibitory orders across Dhar district.
Dhar Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena appealed to residents to maintain peace and communal harmony, stating that the administration is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any untoward incident. "Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed across the district and will remain in force till June 5, 2026," the official said.
Strict Surveillance Over Social Media Platforms
Under the restrictions, processions, demonstrations, dharnas and gatherings of more than five persons without prior permission have been prohibited. Authorities have also banned the public display of weapons and the sale of petrol or diesel in bottles and containers as a precautionary measure.
Hotel and lodge operators have been instructed to maintain detailed records of guests and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.
The administration is also maintaining strict surveillance over social media platforms. Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against those circulating inflammatory content, rumours or misleading posts capable of disturbing communal harmony.
Police personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations across Dhar town, while additional forces are on standby as authorities brace for possible reactions following the court verdict.
The Bhojshala dispute has remained one of the most sensitive religious and archaeological issues in Madhya Pradesh for decades, frequently drawing national attention due to competing claims over worship rights at the ASI-protected monument.
Muslim Side To Challenge Decision In Supreme Court
Arshad Warsi, the lawyer for the Muslim side, said regarding the decision, "After studying the copy of the court's order, the Muslim side will challenge the Indore High Court bench's decision in the Supreme Court."
12-Layer Security In Dhar
After the verdict, the administrations in Dhar and Indore are on alert. The sensitivity was heightened on Friday because the Muslim community offers Jumma prayers on this day. The administration has appealed to both communities to maintain peace and harmony. In view of the verdict, the district administrations of Indore and Dhar are on alert. A 12-layer security arrangement has been put in place in Dhar. More than 1,200 personnel have been deployed. Additionally, an alert has been issued in Indore and all surrounding cities.
Hindu party files caveat in SC
A Hindu party on Friday filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, saying no orders should be passed without hearing it on any appeal against the Madhya Pradesh High Court order in the Bhojshala complex dispute case.
“Let no order be made in the above matter without notice to the undersigned,” stated the caveat filed by Jitendra Singh ‘Vishen’. The caveat was filed through advocate Barun Kumar Sinha. Vishen was the sixth petitioner in the matter in which a high court bench in Indore gave the decision on Friday.
MP Advocate General Welcomes Verdict
Advocate General of the Madhya Pradesh government, Prashant Singh, said the decision will help to maintain peace in the state. "Because of the tension, a large police force had to be deployed at the disputed site. The other party has been offered space to build a religious site, but if the other party is not satisfied, they have the freedom in a democratic country to challenge the decision," he added.
"After a long battle, this years-long dispute has finally been resolved. The High Court has recognised that Bhojshala is indeed a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is a Hindu temple. All other parties were heard in this case, but based on the ASI survey report, the Hindu side's claim was considered stronger because symbols of Hindu deities were found inside the temple," he added.
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