Chennai: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Tamil Nadu-based Manithaneya Makkal Katchi have criticised the Madhya Pradesh High Court verdict in the Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Mosque dispute, alleging that judicial outcomes are increasingly shaped by “faith rather than evidence”.
In a statement, CPI(M) called the verdict “unfortunate” and said it reflects reasoning similar to the Babri Masjid–Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, where faith overtook legal and historical principles. The party opposed the court’s decision to set aside an Archaeological Survey of India order that had allowed Muslim prayers at the site.
The CPI(M) said the judgment weakens the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which was created to prevent reopening historical disputes. It warned that ignoring the law’s intent could intensify communal tensions and deepen social divisions.
The party also accused political forces of using religious disputes for mobilisation while diverting attention from unemployment, inflation, and social distress. It expressed hope that the Supreme Court will overturn the ruling during appeal.
MMK president and MLA M.H. Jawahirullah also raised concern, calling the verdict “deep concern and shock” and stating it weakens protections under the Places of Worship Act and the Constitution’s secular framework.
He said the 1991 law preserves the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, to protect communal harmony. He warned that selective use of historical or archaeological claims could trigger repeated disputes.
Jawahirullah also opposed comparisons with the Ayodhya verdict, noting the Supreme Court described it as “unique” and “exceptional”. He rejected suggestions of alternative land for mosques, stating constitutional and religious rights cannot be replaced through land allocation.
Both parties urged the Supreme Court to intervene and reaffirm constitutional secularism and the Places of Worship Act.
By Abdul Bari Masoud
 and MMK criticise Madhya Pradesh High Court verdict in Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Mosque case, warning it undermines the Places of Worship Act and constitutional secularism.){kind=link}