Allahabad High Court Upholds Survey Order on Sambhal Shahi Mosque

The Allahabad High Court dismissed the Sambhal Shahi Mosque Committee’s plea challenging a lower court’s order permitting an Advocate Commissioner to survey the Shahi Jama Masjid, Muslim Mirror reported. The survey is linked to a civil suit filed by eight Hindu plaintiffs, including Mahant Rishiraj Giri, who allege the mosque was built in 1526 after demolishing an ancient Hari Har Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s avatar Kalki.

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal upheld the trial court’s decision, stating the plaintiffs’ suit is not prima facie barred. The Mosque Committee had objected to the survey, citing lack of notification and rushed conduct in November 2024. Earlier, the Supreme Court stayed trial proceedings pending the High Court’s review.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) informed the court that the mosque is a Centrally Protected Monument under the AMASR Act and not listed as a religious site. The ASI emphasized that ownership claims by the Mosque Committee lack legal validity.

The case has ignited communal tensions, with violent clashes on November 24, 2024, resulting in five Muslim deaths during the survey attempt.