SC Tells MP to Find Namaz Site Closer to Bhojshala
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, told the court that efforts were underway to identify a nearer location.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear on Friday a plea by the Muslim side alleging that the alternative site identified by the Madhya Pradesh government for offering namaz is not in proximity to the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, directed the Solicitor General to obtain instructions on providing a site adjacent to the disputed premises.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, told the court that efforts were underway to identify a nearer location.
"I have asked them to identify a nearby site, and the process is going on," he said.
Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the Muslim side, submitted that the land identified by the authorities was about 2 km away, contrary to the court’s earlier direction to provide a nearby open space.
"We have already missed Friday prayers," he said.
The Solicitor General, however, said the identified site was around 900 metres from the disputed complex and assured the court that he would examine the issue.
"I will personally look into this and rectify it," he said.
Justice Bagchi observed that the earlier order “has to be followed in letter and spirit”.
On July 14, the court had directed the state government to provide a separate open space adjacent to the Bhojshala complex for offering Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm until final adjudication.
The bench posted the matter for hearing on Friday and asked the state to clarify the position regarding the provision of an adjacent site.