After High Court verdict, Hindu petitioners seek free entry for devotees at Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh

After High Court verdict, Hindu petitioners seek free entry for devotees at Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh

**Bhojshala Temple Complex: Petitioners Advocate for Unrestricted Devotee Access Following High Court Ruling**

**Dhar, Madhya Pradesh** – In the wake of a significant High Court verdict concerning the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex, Hindu petitioners are now formally requesting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to grant devotees unrestricted and free access to the site. The latest development, communicated through an official application submitted on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, by Ashish Goyal, a representative of the ‘Hindu Front for Justice’, underscores a renewed push for unimpeded spiritual engagement at the historically contested location.

The application, addressed to the Director General of the ASI, articulates a clear demand: that devotees be permitted entry without any form of charge, including the nominal Re 1 fee currently levied. This request stems directly from the recent pronouncements by the High Court, which have been interpreted by the petitioners as a mandate for greater accessibility for the Hindu community. The petitioners argue that any form of entry fee contravenes the spirit of the court’s decision and impedes the fundamental right of worship.

The Bhojshala complex, situated in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, has been the subject of protracted legal and religious disputes for decades. It is revered by Hindus as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Bhojshala) and by Muslims as a mosque (Kamal Maula Mosque). The High Court’s intervention, following a series of petitions, aimed to clarify the management and access protocols for the site, acknowledging its dual religious significance.

Ashish Goyal, speaking on behalf of the ‘Hindu Front for Justice’, emphasized that the current fee, however small, acts as a barrier, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to offer their prayers and participate in religious observances. “Our objective is to ensure that the sanctity of the Bhojshala is respected and that all devotees can access it without any hindrance or financial obligation,” Goyal stated in the application. He further highlighted that the High Court’s ruling has provided a crucial legal foundation for advocating for such measures.

The ASI, as the custodian of protected monuments, is tasked with balancing the preservation of historical and archaeological integrity with the religious sentiments and access rights of various communities. The organization is expected to review the application in conjunction with the directives issued by the High Court. The legal framework governing the Bhojshala complex has always been sensitive, and any decision regarding access and fees will be closely scrutinized by all stakeholders.

This latest petition signifies a proactive approach by Hindu groups to leverage the High Court’s decision to achieve what they perceive as a more equitable and spiritually fulfilling access to the Bhojshala. The coming weeks will likely see further deliberations and potential responses from the ASI, which will ultimately shape the daily experience of devotees at this significant historical and religious site. The outcome of this request will be a crucial indicator of how the complex’s management will evolve post the High Court’s ruling, potentially setting a precedent for similar sites across the country.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.