The local court in Sambhal has scheduled a hearing for March 5 regarding the ongoing dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey. The case follows tensions that escalated after the mosque was surveyed in November 2024, leading to violence.
Shakil Ahmad Wari, the advocate representing the Muslim community, confirmed that they had submitted a copy of the Supreme Court’s order, which prohibits lower courts from entertaining new lawsuits regarding surveys of religious sites until further notice. This order came after the controversy surrounding the mosque, which some claim was built over the remains of an ancient Hindu temple.
Wari emphasized that the Muslim side would present evidence in court to prove that the Shahi Jama Masjid was not built over a Harihar temple, but was, in fact, the Jama Masjid. “We will present all the evidence in court,” he stated.
On the Hindu side, Gopal Sharma, the advocate representing the Hindu claimants, also confirmed the March 5 hearing. Sharma mentioned that they had filed an application requesting an opportunity to reply, and the matter would now be addressed on the scheduled date.
The dispute reignited following a court-ordered survey of the mosque on November 19, initiated by a petition from Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who claimed that a temple existed at the site before the mosque. The situation turned violent on November 24 when clashes broke out between protesters and police during the survey. The violence resulted in four deaths and several injuries, with 29 police personnel also wounded.
In response to the violence, the Supreme Court intervened on November 29, instructing the Sambhal trial court to hold off on any further orders regarding the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The court also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to take steps to restore peace and harmony in the area.
