A major hearing in the long-running Bhojshala-Kamal Maula dispute in Dhar was postponed after lawyers across the state went on strike to protest the murder of an advocate in another district.
Lawyer Shot Dead On Way To Court
Advocate Sanjay Kumar Saxena, 57, was shot dead on February 14 in Karaira town of Shivpuri while heading to court in uniform.
Police said the killing was allegedly a contract murder worth ₹10 lakh. Around ₹2 lakh was reportedly paid in advance, with the remaining amount promised after the attack.
Investigators believe the motive was linked to a land dispute and an old election rivalry.
Three accused have been arrested so far. During the arrest of one suspect at Chirli Tiraha, a brief encounter took place and the accused suffered bullet injuries in his leg.
Statewide Lawyers’ Strike
The murder triggered outrage in the legal fraternity. The State Bar Council called an emergency meeting and announced protests demanding implementation of the Advocates Protection Act.
Lawyers across Madhya Pradesh refused to attend court proceedings on Monday and issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government.
If no action is taken, nearly 1.25 lakh advocates have warned they may march to Bhopal and surround the Chief Minister’s residence.
Bhojshala Case Hearing Postponed
Because of the strike, the hearing in the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex case before the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court was deferred to February 18.
The case is being heard by a division bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi.
At the centre of the dispute is an Archaeological Survey of India scientific survey submitted in July 2024. Hindu petitioners say it is crucial to determining the site’s historical character, while the Muslim side has raised objections and alleged irregularities in the survey.
