Bhojshala Hearing Delayed as Madhya Pradesh Lawyers Strike Over Colleague's Murder
MP lawyers' strike over advocate's murder delays Bhojshala hearing to Feb 18.
The scheduled hearing of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula case in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, was postponed to February 18 after the murder of 57-year-old advocate Sanjay Kumar Saxena in Shivpuri sparked statewide protests. Saxena was shot dead on February 14 while en route to court, prompting lawyers across the state to abstain from court work in solidarity. The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court could not proceed with the case as lawyers observed the strike.
Police investigations indicate that Saxena’s killing was a contract murder linked to a land dispute and an old election rivalry. Three suspects have been arrested, and one was injured during an encounter at Chirli Tiraha. Superintendent of Police Aman Singh Rathod stated that the total contract price was Rs 10 lakh, with Rs 2 lakh paid in advance. The incident has intensified demands for immediate implementation of the Advocates Protection Act.
In response, the Madhya Pradesh State Bar Council convened an emergency meeting, declaring a statewide protest. District bar associations and the High Court Bar Association have resolved to abstain from pleading on Mondays and issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government. Lawyers have warned that if no action is taken, approximately 1.25 lakh advocates could march to Bhopal and lay siege to the Chief Minister’s residence.
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The Bhojshala-Kamal Maula dispute, historically and religiously sensitive, is being heard by a division bench comprising Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi. Central to the case is the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) 2024 scientific survey, submitted on July 15, 2024, which the Hindu petitioners argue is key to establishing the site’s historical character.
The Muslim side has contested the survey, citing procedural irregularities and previous cases dating back to 2003. Allegations include objects being moved at night during the ASI survey, with evidence reportedly submitted to the court. With tensions high and the hearing now deferred, the next session on February 18 is expected to witness renewed arguments from both sides in this complex legal battle over one of Madhya Pradesh’s most disputed heritage sites.
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