Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Shortly after the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the disputed Bhojshala complex as a 'temple' on Friday, residents and Hindu petitioners in Dhar went for a Holi-like celebration, with colours, chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and sweets.
The two-judge bench also cancelled the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) circular issued in 2003 that had allowed Muslims to offer namaz at the site.
Security was increased in Dhar and nearby areas after the verdict to maintain peace and prevent any tension.
Watch the celebration video below :
Hindus hail verdict as 'historic' verdict
People gathered outside Bhojshala soon after the court’s decision became public. Supporters of the Hindu side raised religious slogans and called the verdict a 'historic' moment after a long legal and social battle linked to the Bhojshala dispute.
Welcoming the High Court's verdict, Hindu side advocate Shirish Dubey said the High Court clearly stated that Bhojshala is a Maa Saraswati temple built by Raja Bhoj. He said the Muslim side’s petition was dismissed, while both petitions filed by the Hindu side were accepted by the court.
Dubey said many people spent years fighting for the cause and several families faced hardships during the movement. He also claimed that three people lost their lives during protests related to the issue and many others spent time in jail.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain called the verdict historic and said the court partly set aside the ASI order dated April 7, 2003. He said the court recognised the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj and granted the Hindu side the right to perform worship rituals there.
Jain also said the court directed the government to consider the demand for bringing back the idol currently kept in a London museum. He added that the court asked the government to consider providing alternative land to the Muslim side and allowed them to present their views before the government.
Meanwhile, DIG Manoj Kumar Singh said security personnel had been deployed across the district following the verdict.
He appealed to people to respect the High Court’s decision and cooperate in maintaining law and order.
