Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court, following a report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that there was no need for whitewashing in the mosque premises, on Friday (February 28) ordered cleaning of Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, however, granted time to the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal to file its response to the objections to the ASI report by Tuesday.
High Court on Thursday directed ASI to inspect premises
The High Court had on Thursday directed the ASI to inspect the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal and submit a report by today 10 AM on need for whitewashing and decorative arrangement at the site in view of the upcoming Ramzan month.
“The report shall state as to the requirement of whitewashing and maintenance/repair, if any needed, inside the premises. A videography shall also be done by the ASI for the work to be undertaken before Ramzan starts,” the High Court said in its order on Thursday.
There was no need for whitewashing, ASI said in its report
The ASI in its report submitted before the High Court said that there was no need for whitewashing, as the entire area is covered with enamel paint, which is in good condition. It further said that there was need for some repairing at the site.
The court asked the counsel representing the Muslim side that there is no mention of whitewashing and there is need for some repairs, which can be ordered after Ramzan.
ASI report is incorrect: Muslim side
The counsel representing the Muslim side, while insisting on whitewashing of the premises, raised objections on the ASI report and said that there was need for the whitewashing and that the report of the ASI is incorrect, Livelaw reported.
The court asked the Muslim side counsel to file its response to the ASI report by Tuesday.
The High Court was hearing a plea moved by the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal challenging the Sambhal authorities objections on its request for whitewash and decorative arrangements.
The Sambhal authorities earlier objected to the plea of the mosque committee for whitewashing and decorative arrangements at the disputed site, saying the mosque in question is a protected monument and the mosque committee must obtain permission from the ASI for any work at the site.
