Naidunia Representative, Dhar: In compliance with the Supreme Court's recent order regarding the Bhojshala dispute, the district administration on Friday designated a new prayer site for the mosque community. After receiving and reviewing a certified copy of the court's directive on Friday morning, officials selected an open space in Maliwada, located about half a kilometre from the main Bhojshala complex, and formally informed the mosque side.
Mosque Community Rejects New Prayer Site
Despite the administration's swift action, no prayers were offered at the site on Friday. On behalf of the mosque community, the Abdul Samad Sadar Maulana Welfare Society rejected the new location, stating that it is located two kilometres away from the disputed complex rather than the half-kilometre claimed by officials, Naidunia reported.
The community announced plans to file a fresh petition and once again approach the Supreme Court. They also clarified that they will not offer prayers on the land provided by the administration next Friday either, establishing their stance on the matter.
Previously, the Muslim community offered namaz inside the complex every Friday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. However, the Indore Bench of the High Court subsequently banned prayers at the site. Following this verdict, the Supreme Court mandated authorities to provide an open space for namaz adjacent to or near the Bhojshala complex. Meanwhile, the Hindu side objected to any prayers being offered within 300 meters of the site.
Administration Moves To Implement Supreme Court's Order
Upon receiving a certified copy of the Supreme Court's July 14 order regarding the Bhojshala dispute, a high-level meeting was held. The meeting was attended by Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena, Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma, ASP Vijay Dawar, the SDM, and Tehsildar Dinesh Uikey and other senior officials.
Legal experts note that the language used carries specific weight: 'adjacent' refers to a location adjacent to the property, 'near' implies a relatively greater distance, and 'ad hoc' refers to a temporary interim arrangement.
The court did not specify the extent of 'nearness'. Additionally, the order stipulates that there must be no obstruction to the entry and exit of either party, and strictly prohibits the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from making any structural changes without the Supreme Court's permission.
Consequently, the administration's entire process will now be based on a word-by-word interpretation of the apex court's directives, the report added.
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Final Hearing On August 5
The Supreme Court has listed the appeals in the Bhojshala case for a final hearing on August 5. While this listing does not guarantee a final judgment, the court may reserve its decision or announce a future date.
Today, July 17, marks the first Friday since the July 14 verdict, leaving two additional Fridays on July 24 and July 31 before the final hearing. Managing the interim prayer arrangements on these days and ensuring strict compliance with the apex court's directives will be a major test for the district administration.