The Allahabad High Court on Thursday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to inspect the Shahi Jama Mosque in Sambhal to assess the need for whitewashing and decorative arrangements (at the site), ahead of the Ramzan month.
The single-judge Bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal ordered the ASI to form a three-member team to visit and inspect the Mosque, and submit a report in this regard by 10 am on February 28.
The High Court delivered the verdict on a petition filed by the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal, challenging the respondents’ objections regarding the mosque’s preparatory work.
The single-judge Bench recorded in its order that in order to balance the equity between the parties, it was important to maintain communal harmony during the holy month of Ramazan.
Following the pronouncement of the judgment, the Counsel appearing for ASI urgent the Court to mention that security may be provided to members of the ASI team.
The single-judge Bench, however, dismissed the request on the grounds that it was unnecessary.
It delivered the verdict after considering the arguments advanced by the government of Uttar Pradesh, the ASI and the Counsel for the Management Committee.
The single-judge Bench further took onto account the urgency of the matter, with Ramzan beginning on March 1.