The Supreme Court advised both Hindu and Muslim parties to be patient on the Bhojshala case, and also directed that till the decision is taken, a separate open space should be made available near the premises for the Muslim community to offer namaz every Friday. But even after the instructions, there is confusion regarding Friday prayers.
The situation regarding Friday prayers near Bhojshala located in Dhar is still not clear. According to sources, the Supreme Court order in this regard has not yet been received by the Dhar district administration. For this reason, no final decision has been taken yet regarding the place for Namaz.
What apprehensions does the Muslim side have regarding Namaz?
Whereas, the Muslim side says that even if the administration allows an alternative place, a decision has not yet been taken on whether Namaz will be offered there or not. The Muslim side is apprehensive that once Namaz is offered at a designated place outside the Bhojshala premises, the same arrangement may be considered to be implemented permanently in future.
On the other hand, the Hindu side has a clear stand that Friday prayers should not be allowed at any place around the Bhojshala premises.
Place for Namaz should be found near the campus: SC
Earlier on Tuesday, July 14, the Supreme Court had said in its decision that considering the sensitivity of the Bhojshala case, both the parties (Hindus and Muslims) should maintain patience. The court also directed that till the decision is taken, an open space should be provided to the Muslim community somewhere near the Bhojshala premises for offering Namaz for 2 hours (between 1 pm and 3 pm) every Friday.
The court said that it is ready to hear the case on a daily basis and find a quick solution to the issue. The court also considered the appeals of the Muslim side, in which an order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has been challenged. In the High Court order it was said that the disputed Bhojshala premises is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
The High Court had quashed the April 2003 order of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which allowed Hindus to offer prayers on Tuesday and Muslims to offer namaz on Friday. People of the Hindu community consider Bhojshala to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while the Muslim side calls this 11th century structure the Kamal Maula Mosque. However, this disputed complex is maintained by ASI.
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