Supreme Court refuses to hear plea seeking adjournment of High Court proceedings

Bhojshala case in Madhya Pradesh

New Delhi – In the Bhojshala case, the Supreme Court declined to hear a petition filed by the Muslim side seeking a postponement of the proceedings in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The Court clarified that the High Court has not made any observations on the core issues of the case, and therefore, no intervention is required at this stage.

During the hearing, senior advocate Salman Khurshid, representing the Muslim side, requested the Court to defer the High Court hearing scheduled from 2 April. He also sought access for the mosque committee to videography and coloured photographs related to the survey. He argued that insufficient time had been given to respond to the Archaeological Survey’s report and that the proceedings were being rushed without full disclosure.

Responding to these submissions, Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that the Supreme Court trusts the High Court to examine the videographic evidence and decide all objections in accordance with the principles of natural justice. He added that any grievances may be addressed before the High Court itself.

On the petition challenging the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court noted that while some objections are recorded in the survey report, others are not. In such a situation, the videographic evidence will be presented before the court, and all parties will be free to question its authenticity. The report will include all electronic and documentary evidence to ensure transparency.

The petition was filed by the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society, challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s 16 March order permitting a survey of the Bhojshala premises.  The Hindu Front for Justice had filed a petition seeking the site to be officially declared as a temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). The order was issued while hearing the plea.

Representing the Hindu side, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain stated that the High Court has not rejected the Muslim side’s demands, and that all objections will be considered during the final hearing.

The Supreme Court observed that the High Court has respected its earlier orders while issuing interim directions and has recorded all objections. It further stated that the High Court will verify the videographic and other evidence and deliver its judgment after hearing all parties.