In a significant development, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions filed by the Jain and Muslim communities regarding the disputed Bhojshala site in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The Jain community has sought the court’s intervention to ensure their right to worship at the site, claiming it as a sacred Jain heritage location.
The petition filed by Salekchandra Jain asserts that the site, currently under dispute, is a Jain Gurukul, a place of learning, where children from all religions studied. The petitioner highlights the discovery of statues and symbols related to Jainism, including the goddess Ambika, during excavations in 1875 and a recent scientific survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
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The Hindu Front for Justice has also filed a petition, demanding the withdrawal of the Supreme Court’s April 1 order, which halted the Madhya Pradesh High Court from taking action based on the ASI report. The Hindu side argues that the ASI report confirms the existence of a temple at the site and that any objections from the Muslim side should be addressed in the High Court.
The dispute revolves around the Bhojshala site, which both Hindu and Muslim communities claim as their own. The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the petitions from both sides is seen as a significant step towards resolving the long-standing dispute. The court’s verdict is eagerly awaited, as it will determine the fate of the disputed site and the rights of the respective communities to worship and manage it.
