New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday (February 27) directed Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to inspect the Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid and submit a report by tomorrow 10 AM on need for whitewashing and decorative arrangement at the site in view of the upcoming Ramzan month.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal passed the order on an application moved by the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal challenging the order of the Sambhal authorities raising objections on the request of the mosque committee for whitewash and decorative arrangements.
Sambhal authorities earlier objected to mosque committee’s application for whitewashing
The Sambhal authorities earlier objected to the application of the mosque committee for whitewashing and decorative arrangements at the site, saying the mosque is a protected monument and the mosque committee must obtain permission from the ASI for any work at the site.
What submissions were made before High Court today?
The counsel representing the Muslim side told the High Court that it was the responsibility of the ASI to carry out the work for whitewashing, cleaning and other works at the site.
The counsel representing the ASI told the High Court that mosque committee members were not allowing access to the ASI officials inside the mosque.
The High Court heard the submissions made by the Uttar Pradesh government, Hindu side, Muslim side and the ASI and taking into account the urgency of the matter in view of the Ramzan month starting from March 1 ordered a three-member team to visit, inspect the site and submit a report before the court by 10 AM tomorrow, when the matter would be further heard, Livelaw reported.
Apex court earlier directed Sambhal court to halt proceedings
A Sambhal trial court had on November 19 last year allowed a plea filed by the Hindu side seeking survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, claiming it was built on a Hindu temple. The trial court had ordered for the survey of the mosque, saying it is probable that the report of the survey will facilitate the court in deciding the case.
The Supreme Court, however, on a plea filed by the mosque committee, had effectively stayed proceedings before the Sambhal court. The apex court directed the Sambhal trial court to halt proceedings in the suit and not to pass any order in the case related to survey of the mosque and not to open any survey report till the matter is heard by the appellate court.
