NEW DELHI — In a decision of wide public importance, the Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Muslim worshippers to offer Friday prayers at the Bhojshala–Kamal Moola Mosque complex in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on the day of Basant Panchami. The order recognises the long-standing religious rights of Indian Muslims at the site and sets clear time slots to avoid tension.
As per the court’s directions, members of the Hindu community will be permitted to perform religious rituals from sunrise to sunset. Muslim devotees will be allowed to offer Jumma prayers between 1 pm and 3 pm. The court also made it clear that law and order must be maintained with full respect for both faiths.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipal M. Pancholi passed the order after hearing requests from Hindu and Muslim organisations seeking permission to hold prayers on January 23, which falls on Basant Panchami and a Friday.
The bench asked the district administration to coordinate closely with both communities. It directed that a list of Muslims attending Friday prayers be shared with local authorities only for security planning. The court appealed for calm and restraint.
“The administration must take all steps required to maintain peace and public order,” the bench said, while stressing that religious activity should take place with dignity and without provocation.
The Bhojshala complex is an 11th-century monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Hindus believe the site to be a temple of Goddess Vagdevi, also known as Saraswati. Muslims identify it as the Kamal Mola Mosque and have offered prayers there for generations. An ASI arrangement dated April 7, 2003, allows Hindu worship on Tuesdays and Muslim prayers on Fridays.
For Indian Muslims, the Supreme Court’s order is seen as an affirmation of their constitutional right to worship. A local Muslim representative said, “We welcome the court’s decision. It respects our faith and gives us the space to offer Friday prayers peacefully, as we have done for years.”
District Collector Priyank Mishra said the administration had made full arrangements to prevent any disturbance. “About 8,500 police personnel have been deployed. Executive magistrates are posted at key points, and regular patrols and flag marches are being conducted,” he said.
He added a clear warning: “Strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to disturb communal harmony.”
Muslim community leaders also appealed for calm. One organiser said, “Our appeal to everyone is simple. Let prayers happen in peace. Indian Muslims want harmony, not conflict.”
The court’s order places responsibility on the state to protect worshippers, especially minorities, and sends a clear message that religious rights must be honoured within the rule of law.
