The Madhya Pradesh High Court announced on April 2 that it will commence regular hearings on the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque dispute cases in Dhar from April 6. The decision follows the Supreme Court's refusal on April 1 to intervene in a Muslim side petition, directing the High Court to address all parties' objections.
A Division Bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi in Indore issued the order on April 2, noting the Supreme Court's observations from April 1 on an appeal by the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society representing the Muslim community.
The Supreme Court directed the High Court to consider objections from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)’s scientific survey report, videography, and photographs in line with natural justice principles. The High Court fixed hearings from April 6 at 2.30 p.m., referencing prior orders dated January 22, 2026, and March 11, 2024.
The ASI’s nearly 2,200-page report states the existing structure was built over pre-existing temple ruins from the 10th-11th century Paramara period, with remnants still in situ. Hindu petitioners expressed satisfaction, while the Muslim side alleged ignored objections.
The site is an ASI-protected 11th-century monument. A 2003 agreement allows Hindus to conduct puja on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays. The court also gave government authorities two weeks to respond to a plea claiming a Jain temple and gurukul at the site.
