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Alleging that the judgment would benefit “communal forces”, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on May 16 criticised the recent ruling of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute, warning that it could deepen religious divisions and undermine the country’s secular framework.

In a statement, the party said the verdict would aid organisations such as the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, accusing them of foregrounding divisive religious issues while diverting attention from pressing public concerns.

Concerns over the verdict

The CPI(M) expressed “grave concern” over the judgment, particularly the decision to set aside an earlier order of the Archaeological Survey of India that had permitted Muslims to offer prayers at the disputed site.

Also Read: HC says Bhojshala complex is Hindu temple; what’s the row all about?

It said the ruling echoes the reasoning adopted by the Supreme Court in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi verdict and could have wider implications for similar disputes across the country.

Questions over legal implications

The party also argued that the judgment runs contrary to the Places of Worship Act, 1991, enacted to prevent the reopening of historical religious disputes, and said the High Court appeared to have overlooked its provisions.

According to the CPI(M), the ruling is part of a broader trend of reopening historical and religious issues through the courts, which it warned could intensify communal polarisation.

Call for constitutional safeguards

Expressing hope that the verdict would be challenged, the party said it expects the Supreme Court to set aside the ruling when it hears appeals in the matter.

It also urged the judiciary to uphold constitutional secular principles and called on democratic forces to resist attempts to divide society along religious lines, while focusing on issues of livelihood, social justice, equality and citizens’ rights.