Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Madhya Pradesh government to respond to a plea seeking an alternate site for Friday namaz adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar district. The apex court scheduled the matter for further hearing on July 24 after hearing submissions from both the Muslim side and the state government.

The petition concerns the location of an alternate prayer site provided under an earlier interim order of the Supreme Court, with the Muslim side arguing that the designated land is much farther from the disputed complex than directed by the court.

Supreme Court Seeks Government's Clarification

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain instructions from the Madhya Pradesh government on whether an alternate prayer site adjacent to the Bhojshala complex could be provided.

The Bench emphasized that its earlier directions should be implemented in both the "letter and spirit" and sought a clear response from the state before the next hearing.

Muslim Side Raises Objection

Representing the petitioners, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi submitted that the Supreme Court had earlier directed the state to identify an open space near the disputed monument for offering Friday prayers.

According to the petitioners, the land identified by the state government is located around two kilometres away from the Bhojshala complex, making it difficult for worshippers to use the site. The Muslim side also informed the court that Friday prayers had already been affected because of the current arrangement.

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MP Government Disputes Distance Claim

Appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta disputed the claim that the alternate site was two kilometres away.

He informed the Bench that the identified location is approximately 900 metres from the disputed complex and assured the court that he would personally verify the distance and take corrective action if required.

The court accepted the assurance and directed the state government to examine whether a site closer to the Bhojshala complex could be made available.

Background of the Interim Order

The present plea arises from the Supreme Court's interim order issued on July 14, 2026, while hearing appeals against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's judgment concerning the Bhojshala dispute.

At that time, the apex court directed the state government to arrange a separate open space adjacent to the disputed site so members of the Muslim community could offer Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm until the legal dispute is finally decided.

The interim arrangement was intended to ensure religious practices continue peacefully while the case remains pending before the Supreme Court.

About the Bhojshala Dispute

The Bhojshala complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, has remained the subject of a long-standing legal and religious dispute.

Hindu groups regard the site as an ancient Saraswati Temple, while members of the Muslim community identify it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The competing claims over the monument have resulted in years of litigation regarding ownership, historical status, and worship rights.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing appeals against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision, while interim arrangements continue to remain in force until a final judgment is delivered.