The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking an alternate Friday prayer site closer to the disputed Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district after concerns were raised that the location currently identified by the state government is too far from the disputed premises.

The matter has been listed for hearing on July 24, with the court asking the Madhya Pradesh government to clarify whether a site adjacent to the disputed complex can be provided for offering namaz.

Muslim Side Raises Concern Over Distance

During the hearing, counsel appearing for the Muslim side argued that the state had not complied with the spirit of the court’s earlier directions.

According to the submissions, the alternate prayer site identified by the authorities is located around 2 kilometres from the disputed Bhojshala complex, making it difficult for worshippers to offer Friday prayers as intended.

The plea stated that the court had earlier directed the state to identify an open space near the disputed site for namaz.

State Government Responds

Representing the Madhya Pradesh government, the Solicitor General informed the bench that the alternate location was approximately 900 metres from the disputed complex rather than 2 kilometres.

He also assured the court that he would personally examine the issue and take corrective steps if necessary after consulting the state authorities.

Supreme Court Seeks Compliance

The bench observed that its earlier directions should be implemented in both letter and spirit.

It directed the Solicitor General to obtain instructions from the Madhya Pradesh government on whether an adjacent open space could be made available for Friday prayers pending the final outcome of the dispute.

The matter will now be heard on July 24.

Background of the Bhojshala Case

The latest proceedings arise from ongoing appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s judgment declaring the disputed Bhojshala complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

While the broader dispute remains pending before the Supreme Court, the bench had earlier directed the state government to provide a separate open space near the disputed site where Friday namaz could be offered between 1 pm and 3 pm until the case is finally decided.

The upcoming hearing will focus specifically on whether the alternate prayer site complies with those interim directions.

FAQs

Why is the Supreme Court hearing the Bhojshala matter again?

The court is hearing a plea alleging that the alternate site provided by the Madhya Pradesh government for Friday prayers is too far from the disputed Bhojshala complex.

When will the Supreme Court hear the plea?

The matter is scheduled to be heard on July 24.

What did the Muslim side tell the court?

The petitioners argued that the alternate prayer site is around 2 kilometres away and does not comply with the court’s earlier direction to provide a nearby location for Friday namaz.

What has the Madhya Pradesh government said?

The state, through the Solicitor General, said the site is about 900 metres from the disputed complex and assured the court that the issue would be reviewed.

What was the Supreme Court’s earlier order?

The court had directed the state government to provide an open space near the disputed Bhojshala complex where Friday prayers could be offered between 1 pm and 3 pm until the dispute is finally resolved.