Bhojshala dispute: Supreme Court asks Madhya Pradesh to consider allotment of land near dargah for namaz
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to consult with Muslim petitioners regarding the allocation of land for Friday prayers near the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex. This follows a High Court ruling that declared the site a temple and restricted previous prayer arrangements.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious sites in India and the judiciary's role in balancing communal rights with law and order.
The Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh State administration on Thursday (July 30, 2026) to meet with the Muslim side to consider allocation of a specific piece of land to be reportedly near a dargah located adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex for offering Friday namaz .
The court emphasised that the State’s constitutional duty, along with maintenance of law and order, extends to ensuring communities are free to perform their religious rites.
A three-judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said its order would not stop the State from suggesting alternative and better-located land agreeable to the Muslim petitioners.
Appearing for the State of Madhya Pradesh, Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj said the State did not want to go into the respective rights of the two competing sides. The State merely wanted an amicable solution.
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