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No order without hearing us: Hindu party files caveat in SC after HC Bhojshala verdict
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar as a temple of Goddess Saraswati, quashing a 2003 ASI arrangement. In response, two caveat pleas were filed in the Supreme Court by Hindu-side petitioners to ensure they are heard before any SC order. The case highlights questions of religious administration and potential land/ idol issues.
Why It Matters
The caveats aim to safeguard the Hindu petitioners' rights in the Supreme Court, potentially delaying or shaping any further orders. The MP High Court verdict touches on governance of the site and the balance between religious rights and heritage protection.
Timeline
4 Events
Second caveat filed in Supreme Court by Hindu-side petitioner through advocate
May 15, 2026
Another caveat plea was filed by the main Hindu-side petitioner through advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, seeking similar protection before any proceedings in the Supreme Court.
First caveat filed in Supreme Court by Hindu-side petitioner
May 15, 2026
Hours after the High Court verdict, Hindu-side litigant Jitendra Singh Vishen filed a caveat petition in the Supreme Court seeking a direction that no order be passed without hearing him if the verdict is challenged.
MP High Court verdict on Bhojshala complex declares temple character and reviews administration
May 15, 2026
The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court held that the religious character of the disputed monument is Bhojshala with a temple of Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi). It quashed the 2003 ASI arrangement restricting Hindu worship and allowing Muslims to offer namaz. The court directed that the Union government and the ASI decide future administration and management, with the ASI continuing to supervise preservation and regulation of religious practices at the protected monument under the ASI Act, 1958. The Centre may consider representations regarding the return of Goddess Saraswati's idol kept in a London museum; if Muslims seek land for a mosque, the state may consider the request in accordance with law.
Background: ASI 2003 arrangement at Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex
2003
Under a 2003 arrangement framed by the Archaeological Survey of India, Hindus were allowed to perform puja on Tuesdays while Muslims offered namaz on Fridays at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex. The arrangement remained in force while the site remained under ASI protection and supervision.