Bhopal, January 18: The long-standing dispute over the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, has resurfaced as Basant Panchami coincides with Friday, January 23, 2026. The Hindu Front for Justice has approached the Supreme Court, seeking exclusive access for Hindus to perform Goddess Saraswati Puja on that day.

The site, recognized as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is claimed by Hindus as a temple to Goddess Saraswati, built by Raja Bhoja in the 11th century, while Muslims consider it the Kamal Maula Mosque. The application requests a ban on Muslim prayers on Basant Panchami and calls for enhanced security measures.

A key issue is the ASI’s 2003 order, which allows Hindu worship on Tuesdays and Basant Panchami but permits Muslims to pray on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The petition argues that this arrangement creates conflict when Basant Panchami falls on a Friday, as it does this year. Hindu groups highlight the disorder and communal violence caused in previous instances.

The dispute traces its roots to historical claims, with Hindus asserting the site was originally a Saraswati temple, later converted during medieval invasions, and Muslims maintaining a tradition of worship at the mosque. The Supreme Court is yet to hear the main case regarding the site's religious identity, and local authorities have increased security in Dhar to maintain peace on January 23.