The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed simultaneous Hindu Basant Panchami puja and Muslim Friday namaz at the disputed Bhojshala Temple/Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. The decision came after the state government assured the court that separate entry and exit routes would be arranged for both communities and law and order would be strictly maintained.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said an exclusive area within the same compound will be made available for namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm, with separate movement corridors to avoid any disturbance. At the same time, a separate space will be provided for Hindus to perform traditional Basant Panchami rituals, which continue throughout the day.
The court issued these directions while hearing a plea filed by the Hindu Front for Justice seeking permission for day-long rituals on the festival, which falls on a Friday this year. The bench also directed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to provide copies of the ASI’s scientific survey report of the site to the opposing parties.
To prevent any untoward incident, the court permitted the district administration to issue passes or adopt other measures to regulate visitors. It urged both sides to cooperate and maintain mutual respect.
Supreme Court permits puja and namaz at Bhojshala on Basant Panchami
