Supreme Court directs Centre, Madhya Pradesh to comply with order on namaz site near Bhojshala complex ‘in letter and spirit’
The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Union and Madhya Pradesh governments to strictly comply with its previous directive to provide an 'adjacent' site for Friday namaz near the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex. The court intervened after petitioners argued that the current designated site is two kilometers away, failing to meet the 'adjacent' requirement.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing judicial oversight of sensitive religious sites and the enforcement of interim court orders in communal disputes.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) directed the Union and Madhya Pradesh governments to comply “in letter and spirit” with its July 14 order requiring the authorities to identify a separate open space near the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex where members of the Muslim community could offer Friday namaz between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. as an interim arrangement. The direction came after the court was informed that the site identified by the administration was nearly two kilometres away.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said the authorities were under an obligation to carry out its earlier directions in their entirety. The matter has been listed again on Friday for the court to review compliance.
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