Supreme Court to Hear Plea Over Alternative Namaz Site in Bhojshala Row

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing for July 29, 2026, to address a plea regarding the location of an alternative site for Friday prayers near the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The Muslim side moved the court after alleging that the currently allotted site is too far from the original premises, making it difficult for devotees to attend. This legal challenge follows an earlier order intended to maintain communal harmony while allowing for archaeological surveys. The apex court has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to ensure that previous directives regarding prayer sites are followed in letter and spirit.

Senior advocates representing the Muslim community informed the court that two Friday prayers have already been missed due to the logistical challenges of the current arrangement. They claimed the allocated site is approximately 1.3 kilometers away from the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex, jokingly noting they do not have helicopters to bridge the gap. In response, Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta countered these claims by stating the site is actually only 900 meters away. This dispute over the exact distance has become a focal point of the petition, with the Muslim side seeking a much closer alternative to ensure religious obligations are met without delay.

The Supreme Court has instructed the Madhya Pradesh government to look for a more suitable and closer location to resolve the deadlock. The state government has informed the court that it is willing to allot a nearer spot for Friday namaz if a feasible site is identified. This intervention aims to prevent further disruption of religious practices while the broader legal dispute over the Bhojshala complex continues. For the local administration, the immediate task is to identify a neutral ground that satisfies both the court's requirements and the logistical needs of the worshippers before the next hearing date.