Bhojshala Dispute: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices on a batch of petitions challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order that declared the disputed Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque site a Hindu temple. The apex Court refused to grant interim relief or restore the previous state of affairs (status quo ante) at the Dhar-based complex. 

Friday Prayers Allowed In Adjacent Open Space

While denying the interim relief requested by the Muslim appellants, the Supreme Court issued temporary directives to ensure the community can perform Friday prayers. The bench ordered that an open space adjacent to the disputed complex be designated for offering Namaz every Friday between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. The apex court clarified that the arrangement shall be ad hoc in nature and subject to final adjudication of the appeal.

"Meanwhile as an interim measure and without prejudice to rights of both sides or it’s directed - a separate open space adjacent to the subject premises may be provided to the appellant and other members of the Muslim community for offering Nama on Friday between 1-3 pm," the bench noted. The top Court also urged both the Hindu and Muslim sides to exercise patience, noting that the Bhojshala dispute is a "highly sensitive matter." 

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"These are very sensitive matters. What is being said in court can unnecessarily create controversies or send wrong impression. We have to be very careful about every expression used," the Supreme Court said. The apex court added that it is prepared to hear the case on a day-to-day basis to resolve the issue.

ASI Barred From Structural Changes Without Court's Nod

The Supreme Court also ordered that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) should not make any structural changes without the top court's permission. "Structural alteration to the Complex as proposed by ASI, it will not do so without the leave (permission) of this Court," the SC stated. A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh government, the Hindu litigants, and the ASI regarding the Bhojshala dispute, scheduling the next hearing in two to three weeks.

"This is the first time that the issue relating to the interim arrangement is coming before us. The high court's order and the helplessness of the State in maintaining law and order are also being taken note of. Our view is that whatever arrangement is presently in place, the matter can be listed before an appropriate bench within 10 to 15 days," the CJI observed orally, as reported by news agency PTI.

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