In a landmark judgment, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi Saraswati.
The court struck down the 2003 ASI arrangement allowing Friday namaz at the site.
The division bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi said historical literature, archaeological findings and inscriptions prove Bhojshala was linked to Raja Bhoj and Sanskrit learning.
The court quashed the ASI’s 2003 circular under which Hindus offered puja on Tuesdays while Muslims performed Friday namaz at the monument.
While recognising the Hindu claim over Bhojshala, the High Court said the Madhya Pradesh government may consider allotting suitable land in Dhar district for construction of a mosque if an application is made.
Hindus believe Bhojshala is an ancient Saraswati temple from Raja Bhoj’s era, while Muslims identify it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. Jain groups also claimed links to Goddess Ambika.