Indian SC allows prayers, namaz at MP’s Bhojshala complex
New Delhi: The Indian Supreme Court has allowed Hindu prayers from sunrise to sunset on Basant Panchami on Friday at the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, while permitting Muslims to offer namaz from 1 pm to 3 pm on the day.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the top court also directed that a list of persons from the Muslim community coming for namaz be given to the district administration.
Hindu and Muslim groups have sought nod for religious activities at the Bhojshala complex on January 23, a Friday when Saraswati Puja will also be held on the occasion of Basant Panchami.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi made an appeal to both sides to observe mutual respect and cooperate with the State and district administration for maintenance of law and order.
“Additional Solicitors General (ASG) as well as Advocate General have suggested that, after knowing that how many persons belonging to Muslim community are likely to come for namaz between 1 to 3 pm, an exclusive and separate space within the same compound/ premises shall be made available, so that the namaz can be performed at the prescribed time.
“Similarly, a separate space, as per the past practice, shall be made available to the Hindu community to hold the traditional ceremonies on the occasion of Basant Panchami,” the bench said.
