High Court orders ASI to check if Sambhal mosque needs maintenance
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Sambhal: Allahabad High Court directed the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) on Thursday to inspect the Shahi Mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal to determine if the structure needs whitewashing. The mosque structure is under dispute after parties of the Hindu faith approached the judiciary, claiming that the mosque was built, destroying a temple there.
However, despite being there for 100 years as a known worshipping place of Muslims, the court conceded to the complainant’s lawyer's contention for calling it a Masjid and using it as an 'alleged Masjid'. The court resorted to “alleged” usage in its 8-page order to describe the mosque five times.
The court started dubbing the mosque structure, so after the Hindu side submitted that it shouldn’t happen in the guise of this court’s order, the High Court accepted that it was a mosque.
The court directed the ASI report to be submitted by 10:00 am on Friday.
The court issued the order after the mosque management approached it seeking permission to whitewash and clean the structure ahead of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, which is expected to start on Saturday.
The court said in its order that to balance the equity between the parties, it is important that communal harmony is maintained during the holy month of Ramzan.
Meanwhile, the court also dismissed a petition by ASI demanding security for its three-membered team that is going to inspect the mosque.
Earlier, the mosque committee had requested authorities not to restrict azaan (call of prayer) and maintenance activities, which the committee argued are essential for the mosque’s regular upkeep. But Sambhal Police contested, saying that any maintenance work requires ASI’s permission.
