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The Supreme Court has permitted both Saraswati Puja and Friday Namaz at the historic Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, on Vasant Panchami, January 23, 2026. The court fixed separate time slots, allowing Muslims to offer Namaz from 1 pm to 3 pm, and directed authorities to ensure barricading and separate entry-exit points.
Supreme Court Allows Puja and Namaz at Bhojshala with Separate Timings
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday delivered an important and balanced verdict on the long-standing religious dispute over the historic Bhojshala in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Hearing a new petition regarding the Saraswati Puja and Friday prayers at the Bhojshala complex on the occasion of Vasant Panchami, the court permitted both communities to perform religious rituals at separate times.
The Supreme Court ordered that both Hindu and Muslim communities will be able to perform their respective religious rituals at the Bhojshala on Vasant Panchami (Friday, January 23, 2026), but the timings will be different. The court permitted the Muslim community to perform Friday prayers from 1 pm to 3 pm, while Saraswati Puja will be permitted before that time.
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The court issued clear instructions that barricading will be done for both communities, and separate entry and exit routes will be provided to avoid any disruption or conflict. The court directed the state administration and relevant agencies to take necessary steps to maintain law and order.
The petition filed by the Hindu Front for Justice demanded that only Hindus be allowed to worship Goddess Saraswati at Bhojshala on Vasant Panchami, while prohibiting the Muslim community from offering Namaz. The Hindu organization, claiming Bhojshala to be a Hindu temple, sought permission for special puja.
Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, representing the mosque committee, argued that Vasant Panchami has fallen on Friday three times in the past, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had granted permission for three hours of Puja. He stated that the Muslim community is willing to perform Namaz within the minimum time and vacate the site by 3 pm, and a solution can be found through mutual adjustment.
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The ASI stated that the auspicious time for puja is until 1 pm, and permission can be granted accordingly. The Madhya Pradesh government stated that law and order can be maintained according to previous arrangements and that the main petition has now become ineffective.
The Supreme Court appealed to both parties to maintain restraint and coordination, stating that religious sentiments must be respected. This decision is being considered an important step towards maintaining religious harmony.
