Pentoday News, Sambhal | February 27, 2025, 11:07 PM PST
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday barred the painting of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, dealing a blow to the mosque committee’s plea. The court, citing a report from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), permitted only cleaning of the mosque, to be conducted under ASI supervision. The decision comes ahead of Ramadan, during which the mosque committee sought permission for its annual painting tradition.
Court’s Ruling and ASI Report
Hearing the mosque committee’s petition, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal’s single bench ordered the formation of a three-member ASI committee to inspect the mosque and submit a report by Friday morning, 10 AM. On Thursday afternoon, the ASI team visited Sambhal and spent about one-and-a-half hours examining the site before preparing its findings. Presented on Friday morning, the ASI report stated that the mosque already has ceramic paint and does not require fresh painting. Based on this, the court banned painting and allowed only cleaning under ASI oversight.
Mosque Committee Objects
The mosque committee expressed disagreement with the ASI report and opposed the court’s verdict. They argued that painting the mosque before Ramadan is an annual tradition. The court directed the committee to submit its objections in writing, setting March 4 as the deadline. Meanwhile, the Hindu side sought permission to file an affidavit in the case, which the court approved, instructing them to submit it by March 4 as well.
Petition and Hindu Side’s Argument
On February 25, the mosque committee’s lawyer, Zahir Asgar, filed a petition in the High Court seeking permission for painting. He claimed that the tradition of painting the mosque before Ramadan has been followed every year, but this time, the district administration denied approval. Prior to the petition, the committee had written to the District Magistrate (DM) and ASI, but the DM refused permission, stating that the mosque falls under ASI jurisdiction, and any decision rests with them. The Hindu side, opposing the plea, argued that painting could tamper with evidence. Advocate Hari Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, urged the court to prevent it.
What’s Next?
Following the court’s order, the Jama Masjid in Sambhal will undergo only cleaning, supervised by the ASI. The next hearing, scheduled for March 4, will see both the mosque committee and the Hindu side presenting their arguments and evidence. The case has been in the spotlight since last November, when a survey of the mosque sparked violence, making it a focal point of contention.
