The Sambhal trial court allowed 10 days for submitting the advocate commissioner’s survey report on the Shahi Mosque. This deadline will expire on Monday.
“The court had given 10 days to complete the survey report. The deadline will be over on Monday,” said advocate commissioner Ramesh Raghav on Sunday.
However, Raghav explained that the report is still not fully ready. “If it is completed, then the report will be presented in court on Monday. Otherwise, we will seek more time from the court,” he added.
Supreme Court Takes Action
After violence erupted in Sambhal on November 24, resulting in four deaths, the Supreme Court intervened on November 29. It ordered the Sambhal trial court not to issue any orders regarding the mosque survey.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure peace in the violence-hit area. It also ruled that the survey report must remain sealed until the Allahabad High Court hears the petition from the mosque committee.
Understanding the Case
The case began when Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain filed a petition. He claimed that the Shahi Mosque was originally a Hindu temple called Hari Har Mandir, dedicated to Lord Kalki.
As a result, the Sambhal trial court appointed Ramesh Raghav as advocate commissioner on November 19. That evening, Raghav conducted the first survey in the presence of district magistrate Rajendra Pensiya and police chief KK Bishnoi.
Later, on November 24, a second round of the survey was conducted. However, this led to protests and violence in the area. Following this, the court gave 10 days to complete the survey report.
Jain named six parties in the case, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He also included the district magistrate and the mosque’s management committee.
Historical Significance of Shahi Mosque
The Shahi Mosque is a prominent historical and religious site for Muslims. Constructed in the 16th century by Mughal general Mir Hindu Beg, it is located in Mohalla Kot Purvi, Sambhal.
Notably, the mosque was declared a protected monument on December 22, 1920, under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. It is also listed as a centrally protected monument on the ASI’s website.
In his petition, Jain argued that the ASI, as the custodian, must ensure public access while imposing reasonable restrictions.
Judicial Inquiry Into Sambhal Violence
To address the violence on November 24, the Uttar Pradesh government set up a three-member judicial commission on November 28. The commission is led by Justice Devendra Kumar Arora, a retired Allahabad High Court judge. Additionally, retired IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad and retired IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain are part of the team.
Importantly, the commission has been tasked with completing its investigation within two months. However, any extension will require government approval.
Governor Anandiben Patel stressed the importance of this inquiry, saying it would ensure transparency and serve public interest. The commission’s findings, along with the survey report, will play a crucial role in determining the case’s outcome.