Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid dispute: Allahabad HC to hear case

Uttar Pradesh: The Allahabad High Court is scheduled to hear the petition concerning the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal on Tuesday morning. The case, which has been at the centre of legal and communal discussions, will be presided over by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal.

The petition was filed by the mosque management committee, seeking permission to whitewash the mosque premises ahead of Ramzan. The matter has sparked considerable debate, given the historical and religious sensitivities surrounding the site.

As part of today’s proceedings, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is expected to submit a report on the cleanliness of the mosque, as per the court’s earlier directive. The ASI had been tasked with inspecting the premises and ensuring its maintenance, following concerns raised by the mosque committee. Alongside the ASI’s findings, the legal representatives of the mosque committee will present their response before the court.

The dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid is linked to claims that the mosque was constructed over the remains of the historic Harihar Temple. Tensions escalated significantly following a court-ordered survey of the mosque on November 24, 2024, which led to violent clashes resulting in four deaths. The incident deepened the legal and communal complexities surrounding the case, drawing widespread attention from both legal observers and local communities.

In an earlier order issued on Friday, the court had directed the ASI to clean the mosque premises but refrained from allowing whitewashing before Ramzan. The court also mandated the formation of a three-member ASI team to inspect the mosque and submit a comprehensive report on its condition.