The Supreme Court issued an interim order on 30 July in the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Masjid dispute in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The court provided a place for Muslim community members to offer Friday prayers.
According to the order, Muslims can offer namaz between 1 pm and 2 pm on Friday. The court selected land under Khasra numbers 596 and 611 behind Bhojshala for this arrangement. Furthermore, the court directed the state government to ensure security and necessary facilities.
The land remains directly adjacent to Bhojshala and lies outside its boundary wall. The Supreme Court allowed the Muslim community to use this specific area for prayers.
Local Residents Oppose Prayer Arrangement
After the decision, local residents strongly protested against the arrangement. They claimed they have cultivated the land for several years. Additionally, they said their homes also exist on the same land.
Residents expressed concerns about their future if prayers take place there. They stated that they could become homeless due to the decision. Therefore, they opposed namaz on Khasra numbers 596, 611, and 612.
The residents said Muslims should offer prayers at a location away from Bhojshala. Several women also joined the protest against the decision.
Court Clarifies Earlier Interim Order
The Supreme Court clarified its earlier interim order regarding the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula dispute on Thursday. The bench decided a specific land area near the disputed Bhojshala premises.
Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymala Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana heard the Muslim side’s application. The Muslim side had requested a suitable alternative place for Friday prayers.
The request came after Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the disputed Bhojshala premises as a temple. The High Court order faced a challenge before the Supreme Court. Earlier, the Supreme Court had refused to restore the previous arrangement at the disputed site.
