Terming the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal as ‘alleged masjid’, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday (February 27, 2025) asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit a report on the requirement of whitewashing and maintenance/repair, if any needed, inside the premises ahead of the month of Ramzan which is starting from March 1.
Responding to a plea filed by the Committee of Management of Jami Masjid Sambhal, Bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal asked a ASI team, along with Mutawalis, to visit the site and submit its report by 10 a.m. on Friday (February 28).
“The short point for consideration before this court is as to whether the application filed before this court seeking permission for the maintenance, whitewashing and extra lightening work of the alleged Masjid during the Ramzan period should be allowed and the Committee of Management of Jami Masjid Sambhal be permitted to carry out the work”, the court order reads.
It added that it is not in dispute that the site is protected and is under the control and supervision of the ASI as per an agreement which was executed on 19.01.1927 between the Mutawalis of Jami Masjid Sambhal and the Secretary of the State for India Council.
“….Further, the agreement cautions the Mutawalis not to destroy, alter, deface or imperil the alleged Masjid. In the garb of the maintenance, repairs or whitewash, no such exercise shall be carried out by any person who is in-charge of Masjid so as to alter, deface or imperil the site,” the court added.
The advocate representing the Hindu petitioners who demanded removal of the mosque from the site citing that it was built over a temple, apprehended that in the garb of whitewash, purpose of the suit may not be jeopardised.
“In view of the said fact, the court asked a team of ASI with Mutawalis of the Masjid to visit the site and submit a report… A videography shall also be done by the ASI for the work to be undertaken before Ramzan starts,” the court added.
