Bhopal May 15, 2026. The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday (May 15, 2026) ruled that the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Delivering its verdict in the long-running Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque dispute, the court observed that there were signs of a Sanskrit learning centre and a temple of Goddess Saraswati at the Bhojshala site. The court also said that the Muslim community may approach the State government for allotment of separate land in Dhar district for the construction of a mosque.

According to reports, a bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi while allowing writ petitions filed by the Hindu Front for Justice and others, observed that Hindu worship at the site had continued over time, though under regulations. The court said historical records establish Bhojshala as a centre of Sanskrit learning associated with Raja Bhoj and also indicate the existence of a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, also referred to as Goddess Vagdevi Saraswati. The bench stated, “The religious character of the area is held to be Bhojshala with temple of Goddess Vagdevi Saraswati.” The Court quashed an order passed by the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) in 2003 to the extent that it restricted the rights of Hindu to worship within the complex and allowed the Muslim community to offer namaz there. However, in order to secure the religious rights of the Muslim community (Maulana Kamaludding Welfare Society), the Court allowed them to apply for the allotment of suitable land within Dhar district for the construction of a mosque. If such an application is made, the State may consider said application per the law, the Court stated. Accordingly, WP 10497 of 2022 and WP 10484 of 2022 are allowed and disposed of."

The Central government and the ASI have been directed to take a decision for the administration and management of the Bhojshala temple and the Sanskrit learning within the property. The ASI will continue to have the overall administration of the property. "Every government has the constitutional obligation to ensure preservation and protection of not only ancient monuments and its structures including temples of historical and archeological importance, but also of sanctum sanctorum as well as the deities of spiritual importance," the Court said. Regarding the plea seeking to bring and restore the idol currently placed in the British Museum in London, the court held that the "The petitioners have already made a number of representations to the Government of India. The Government of India may consider their representations to bring back the Pratima of Goddess Saraswati from the London Museum and reestablish the same within the complex".

Background; The dispute concerns Bhojshala, an 11th-century monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The site was regarded as a temple of the Goddess Saraswati (Vegdevi) by the Hindu community and as a Mosque by the Muslim Community. In 2003, ASI made an arrangement wherein the Hindu Community was permitted to perform puja on Tuesdays while the Muslim Community was allowed to offer namaz on Fridays. The present proceedings arise from multiple petitions concerning the site's religious and historical character. One of the first petitions sought to reclaim the site for the Hindu Community, while seeking restraint against the Muslim Community from offering namaz. Thus, the High Court had ordered a scientific survey of the site, which was temporarily stayed by the Supreme Court in the Muslim Community's appeal. Later, the Supreme Court laid down a time-bound process to unseal the survey report, supply copies to parties, and consider their objections at the final hearing. In pursuance of the order, the present proceedings commenced before the High Court on April 6. Thereafter, the High Court directed the ASI to upload the videographic record of the survey proceedings on a digital platform and provide access to the parties. Counsel appearing for the petitioners belonging to the Hindu Community argued that Bhojshala was originally a temple, dating back to the reign of King Bhoja, dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati and that the present structure bears archaeological, historic, and inscription-based evidence of a pre-existing Hindu religious site. Counsel for the parties belonging to the Muslim Community argued that the historical records from the Khilji period and contemporaneous accounts do not mention the destruction of any Saraswati Temple at Dhar. The counsel also referred to the validity of a 1935 Ailan issued by the erstwhile Dhar ruler's permitting the Muslim Community to offer namaz at the site. Counsel for the parties belonging to the Jain Community sought the right to offer prayers, arguing that the idol found in the British Museum belonged to the Jain Goddess Ambika. The counsel asserted that the site bears similar architectural features to the Temples in Mount Abu. Counsel for the Government argued that the Ailan of 1935 was invalid as the site was already declared protected under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act of 1904. Following that, under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Site and Remains Act 1958, ASI acted as custodian and guardian of the site.

Reacting to the verdict on Bhojshala, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav welcomed the decision of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and described it as an important moment for the respect of India’s cultural heritage, faith and history. The Chief Minister said the High Court’s decision recognising the historic Bhojshala site in Dhar as a protected monument and a place of worship dedicated to Maa Vagdevi reflects respect for the country’s cultural legacy and traditions. He said the dignity of Bhojshala would be further strengthened under the protection and management of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), while devotees would also be ensured the right to worship. Dr. Yadav also welcomed the court’s direction asking the Centre to consider bringing back the idol of Maa Vagdevi from Britain to India. He said the State government would also make necessary efforts in this direction. Emphasizing social harmony, the Chief Minister said India’s culture has always stood for “Sarva Dharma Sambhav”, social harmony and brotherhood. He said the State government fully respects the court’s verdict and remains committed to further strengthening communal harmony, cultural pride and social cohesion in Madhya Pradesh. Calling the judgment welcome, Dr. Yadav said the State government would extend full cooperation to ensure effective implementation of the court’s directions.