DIVYA DELHI : The Supreme Court expedited hearings in the long-standing dispute over the religious character of the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, which houses the Saraswati Temple and the Maulana Kamal Maula Mosque. The court also lifted the stay on proceedings pending before the Madhya Pradesh High Court in the matter. As an interim measure, the apex court permitted both Hindu and Muslim communities to offer prayers within the Bhojshala premises, directing that Basant Panchami rituals and Friday (Juma) prayers be conducted in separately demarcated areas. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi urged both communities to exercise restraint, mutual respect, and cooperate with the local administration to ensure peace and public order. The court noted that Saraswati Puja this year coincides with a Friday, making coordination essential. During the hearing, the Hindu side argued that Saraswati Puja is a day-long observance and sought permission to perform rituals throughout the day. The Muslim side submitted that Juma Namaz must be held between 12.30 pm and 3 pm. Taking both submissions into account, the bench allowed simultaneous prayers at the site, provided they take place in different designated sections of the compound. The order was passed after Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, assured the court that adequate security and administrative arrangements would be made to maintain law and order at the site.
