New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has told a Sambhal court that it had faced obstructions from the Management of Jama Masjid Committee earlier when it attempted to inspect the mosque and its officers were prevented from entering the mosque.
The ASI, in a statement before the court, also told the court that various interventions, additions and modifications were carried out at the monument.
Carried out inspections of monument whenever possible: ASI
The ASI has also said that despite the resistance from the Management of Jama Masjid Committee, it had carried out inspections of the monument whenever possible with the help of the district administration, Livelaw reported.
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“The Masjid Management Committee involved in the monument has carried out various interventions, additions, modifications etc. at the monument. The inspection undertaken by ASI officers in the month of June, 2024 records some of the intervention done at monument. A copy of said inspection note may please be seen at Annexure I of the affidavit However, there are restrictions on ASI team for inspection, the current status and additions carried out are not known to ASI,” ASI told the court in its statement.
ASI filed its response to plea by Hindu side
The ASI has filed its response to a petition filed by the Hindu side claiming that the mosque was previously a Harihar temple.
The Sambhal court had on November 19 allowed the Hindu side plea seeking survey of the mosque, saying that it is probable that the report of the survey will facilitate the court in deciding the case and ordered ordering for the survey of the mosque.
Apex Court on Friday directed Sambhal court to halt proceedings
The Supreme Court, however, on Friday directed the Sambhal court to halt proceedings in the case and not to pass any order in the matter related to survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal and directed it not to open any survey report till the matter is heard by the appellate court.
The apex court direction came on a plea filed by the Committee of Management, Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal seeking a stay on the Sambhal court order.
