Basant Panchami Prayers Begins At Disputed Bhojshala Site In Madhya Pradesh Under Tight Security

Dhar: Amid tight security, the Basant Panchami puja began at the Bhojshala on Friday, following the Supreme Court order allowing Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

Under earlier Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrangements, Hindus were allowed to perform puja on the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays and on Basant Panchami, while Muslims could offer namaz on Fridays. But this year Basant Panchami and Friday fell on the same day, sparking fresh tensions and legal questions over access rights.

However, on Thursday, Supreme Court gave a specific time to each community to avoid friction.

What did SC say?

The Supreme Court on Thursday said that Hindus can offer prayers on Basant Panchami at the Bhojshala complex from sunrise to sunset on Friday and at the same time, permitted Muslims to offer Friday namaz there from 1 pm to 3 pm. 

The court also directed that a list of Muslims coming for namaz be shared with the district administration. 

What are the preparations?

The Bhojshala site was decorated with saffron flags and flowers, and devotees have started arriving for the darshan from sunrise.

About 8,000 police personnel, including forces from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed across Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. 

What did bench say to both the communities?

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi made an appeal to both sides, Hindu and Muslim community, to observe mutual respect and cooperate with the state and district administration for maintenance of law and order.

The court asked the district administration to make proper law and order arrangements for both religious observances.

An official said that "about 8,000 police personnel, including forces from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed across Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. CCTV surveillance, foot and vehicle patrols, and social media activity are being closely monitored."

Why is this issue sensitive?

The Bhojshala complex in Dhar is a centuries-old site at the centre of a long-running dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups. Hindus regard it as an ancient temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community calls it Kamal Maula mosque.