The Allahabad High Court dismissed the revision petition filed by the mosque committee in the Sambhal Jama Masjid-Harihar Temple dispute. The court upheld the survey order, and the case will now proceed in the district court.
UP News: The Allahabad High Court delivered a significant verdict in the ongoing dispute between the Jama Masjid and the Harihar Temple in Sambhal. The court rejected the mosque committee's revision petition, a major setback for the committee and paving the way for the survey. This case has been in the headlines for several months, with ongoing legal battles. Further proceedings will now take place in the Sambhal district court.
Mosque Committee's Challenge Rejected
In the Sambhal Masjid-Harihar Temple dispute, the mosque committee challenged the civil court's November 19, 2024, survey order in the Allahabad High Court. The mosque committee argued that the lower court appointed an Advocate Commissioner without allowing the Muslim side to present its arguments, characterizing this as unilateral and unjust. They filed a revision petition in the High Court accordingly.
However, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the mosque committee's petition and upheld the civil court's survey order. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal's bench did not accept the Muslim side's arguments, stating that the court followed due process. This clears the path for the survey of the Shahi Masjid in Sambhal, and the case will now proceed to the district court.
Previous Hearing and Court's Response
The Allahabad High Court concluded arguments in this case on May 13, 2025, reserving its judgment at that time. Furthermore, on January 8, 2025, the High Court issued an interim order staying the civil court's survey order to allow for a thorough investigation of the matter.
During the April 28, 2025, hearing, the court directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit its response to the survey and report within 48 hours. This step was taken considering the disputed site's status and historical significance.
History of the Dispute and Violent Incident
This dispute escalated significantly on November 24, 2024, when violence erupted during a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. Five people died and 29 police officers were injured in the ensuing clashes. Security was tightened in Sambhal following the incident, and tension spread across several areas.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the violence and is conducting a thorough inquiry. This incident became a national talking point and presented a significant test for law and order.
Hindu Side's Claim and Civil Court's Order
At the heart of this matter is the Hindu side's claim that a Harihar Temple existed at the disputed site and was subsequently taken over by the mosque. Based on this claim, the Hindu side filed a petition in the Sambhal Civil Court. The court, after considering the petition, ordered a survey of the mosque.
The mosque committee challenged this order in the High Court, but the Allahabad High Court has now dismissed their petition. This confirms that the mosque survey will proceed as directed by the district court, followed by further legal proceedings.
