The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Friday apprised the Allahabad High Court that the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh did not require whitewashing ahead of Ramzan since the entire structure was coated with enamel paint, and was in good condition.
Pursuant to a direction issued by the High Court on Thursday, ASI today submitted an inspection report before the single-judge Bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal.
The High Court had directed the ASI to inspect the mosque to determine the necessity of whitewashing, decorative arrangements and repair of the mosque ahead of Ramzan.
ASI was directed to carry out an inspection during the day in the presence of the Mutawalis of the Masjid.
The Counsel appearing for the Shahi Jama Masjid Management Committee rejected the ASI report, calling it incorrect. He further pressed for whitewashing of the structure.
The High Court directed the Masjid Committee to submit its response or objections to the report by March 4.
The single-judge Bench further issued directions for cleaning of the mosque premises, including the removal of dust and vegetation from both the inside and outer area.
The matter pertained to an order passed by a trial court in Sambhal on November 19, directing an Advocate Commissioner to survey the Mosque, located in Chandausi city, over claims that it was built after destroying a temple.
The direction was issued in a suit filed by Advocate Hari Shankar Jain and seven others who claimed that the mosque was constructed over a demolished temple during the Mughal era. The civil court order led to violence in Sambhal district.
The Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Committee challenged this verdict in the Apex Court, which directed the trial court in Sambhal on November 27, 2024, not to proceed with the lawsuit till the petition filed by the Masjid Committee against the survey order was listed in the Allahabad High Court.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Kumar further directed that the report of the Advocate Commissioner, who conducted the survey of the Mosque, should be kept in a sealed cover and should not be opened till further orders.
It further directed Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the Uttar Pradesh administration, to maintain peace and harmony among all communities in the Sambhal district. The ASG was further ordered to ensure that the situation remained absolutely neutral and that nothing wrong was done.
The Management Committee of Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal moved the High Court with the present petition following an objection raised by the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) North Sambhal regarding its proposed maintenance work at the mosque ahead of Ramzan.
The committee had earlier apprised the authorities about its plans to undertake essential upkeep, including whitewashing, cleaning, repairs and installation of additional lighting to facilitate a smooth experience for devotees during the holy month, beginning March 1, 2025.
The committee further requested that there should be no restrictions on the traditional Azan (call to prayer) or maintenance activities, which it considered part of the mosque’s regular upkeep.
On February 11, 2025, the ASP stated in a letter that since the Masjid was a protected monument, the committee must obtain permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) before carrying out any work.
Challenging this requirement, the Management Committee moved the High Court, arguing that it has consistently undertaken similar maintenance work, including cleaning, whitewashing and installing lights during Ramzan and other religious occasions in previous years, without any interference from the authorities.
The committee contended that the ASP’s response constituted an unjustified obstruction to its right to freely practice and manage religious affairs, as protected under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution.
It further sought direction restraining the authorities from interfering in the performance of Azan and the proposed maintenance and lighting work within the mosque premises.