A Sambhal court has set the next hearing date for March 5 in the ongoing case regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid and the claims surrounding its survey. Shakil Ahmad Wari, the advocate for the Muslim side, confirmed that he had filed a copy of the Supreme Court’s order in the court. The order directs all lower courts to refrain from entertaining new suits requesting surveys of any places of worship until further notice.
“The Supreme Court has issued a directive to lower courts not to entertain new suits seeking surveys of any place of worship. We have submitted the copy of this order, and the court has set March 5 as the next hearing date,” said Wari, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Dispute Over Mosque’s Historical Significance
The Hindu side claims that the mosque was built over an ancient Harihar temple. However, Wari firmly denied this. Wari stated that the Muslim side would present evidence to prove that the site was always home to the Jama Masjid, not a temple. “We will prove in court that it was not a Harihar temple but the Jama Masjid. We have all the evidence,” Wari added.
Hearing Scheduled Following Violence During Survey
Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain filed a petition. This led to a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 19. He claimed that a temple once stood at the site. The survey sparked violence on November 24. The violence lead the deaths of four people and injuries to several others, including 29 police officers. In response, the Supreme Court ordered the Sambhal trial court to halt any further orders on the survey. Supreme Court also urged the Uttar Pradesh government to maintain peace and harmony in the region.
The court is set to hear both sides’ arguments on March 5, as the case continues to unfold.
