High Court allows whitewashing of Sambhal mosque, lights to be installed on outer walls

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete the whitewashing of Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal within one week. The order was issued on Tuesday by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, who also instructed the ASI to install lights on the outer portion of the mosque. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 8.

The directive came after the court examined arguments from both parties. On Monday, the High Court had asked ASI’s counsel to clarify what objections, if any, it had against whitewashing the mosque’s exterior walls. The ASI had not previously stated any opposition to the process in its affidavit.

SFA Naqvi, the counsel representing the mosque committee, argued that there was a clear need for whitewashing and additional lighting outside the structure. He presented colored photographs of the mosque’s exterior, emphasizing the deteriorating condition of the walls. The court took these submissions into consideration before passing its order.

The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal has been at the center of a prolonged legal dispute. Hindu petitioners have claimed that the mosque was built over a Hindu temple known as Hari Mandir. The controversy escalated when a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque on November 24, 2023, led to violent clashes, resulting in at least four deaths.

In light of the ongoing tensions, security measures have been heightened around the mosque, especially ahead of Holi celebrations. Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any untoward incidents. As the legal battle continues, the upcoming hearing on April 8 will likely determine further developments in the case. Meanwhile, the ASI is expected to comply with the High Court’s directive regarding the mosque’s maintenance and lighting.