Madhya Pradesh High Court declares disputed Bhojshala site as temple

The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar as a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and a historical center of Sanskrit learning. The court dismissed the previous order from April 2003 that permitted prayers by the Muslim community at the site. Relying heavily on a comprehensive scientific survey report submitted by the Archaeological Survey of India, the court observed the continuity of Hindu worship at the location. The judicial bench highlighted that the government has a constitutional obligation to preserve ancient monuments and sanctum sanctorums. Furthermore, the court ruled that the Muslim community can approach the government for alternate land within the Dhar district to construct a mosque. The Government of India and the Archaeological Survey of India have been directed to take over the administration, management, and conservation of the Bhojshala temple complex.