In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has instructed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct an immediate inspection of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. This directive aims to evaluate the necessity for whitewashing and decorative preparations in anticipation of the upcoming holy month of Ramzan. The court has mandated that the ASI submit its findings by 10 AM on February 28, 2025.
The order was issued by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal in response to an application from the mosque's management committee. The committee sought permission to undertake routine maintenance and beautification of the historic mosque, a customary practice observed annually before Ramzan. However, objections from local authorities had stalled these preparations, prompting the committee to seek judicial intervention.
During the proceedings, Senior Counsel SFA Naqvi, representing the mosque's management, contended that the ASI was unjustifiably hindering the whitewashing process. He emphasized that such maintenance not only preserves the mosque's aesthetic appeal but also upholds its structural integrity. Naqvi further argued that it is incumbent upon the ASI to facilitate, rather than obstruct, these preservation efforts.
Conversely, Advocate Manoj Kumar Singh, appearing for the ASI, countered that the agency's officials had been denied access to the mosque premises by the committee members. This restriction, he argued, impeded the ASI's ability to perform its statutory duties of overseeing and maintaining protected monuments. Singh asserted that any maintenance work on such heritage structures must be conducted under the ASI's supervision to ensure compliance with preservation norms.
Adding another dimension to the discourse, Advocate Har Shankar Jain, representing the respondents, expressed concerns that the proposed whitewashing might lead to the obliteration of alleged Hindu artifacts within the mosque. He urged the court to ensure that any maintenance work does not compromise the site's historical and cultural artifacts.
In its deliberation, the court recognized the urgency of the matter, given that Ramzan was set to commence on March 1. Justice Agarwal underscored the importance of maintaining communal harmony during this sacred period. To balance the interests of all parties, the court directed the formation of a three-member ASI team to conduct an on-site assessment of the mosque. This team is tasked with determining the extent of whitewashing and decorative work required and ensuring that such activities do not compromise any historical artifacts present within the structure.
The court also addressed security concerns raised by the ASI's counsel, who requested protection for the inspection team. Justice Agarwal, however, dismissed this request, deeming it unnecessary. He expressed confidence that the inspection could proceed peacefully without additional security measures.
This judicial directive comes in the wake of heightened tensions surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid. In November 2024, a court-ordered survey of the mosque led to violent clashes, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. The violence erupted during an ASI survey intended to investigate claims that the mosque was constructed over a demolished Hindu temple. The incident underscored the sensitive nature of heritage site management, especially when intertwined with religious sentiments.
The Shahi Jama Masjid, established in December 1526 during the reign of Mughal emperor Babur, stands as one of the oldest surviving Mughal-era mosques in South Asia. Situated atop the highest hillock in Sambhal, it has been a protected monument under the ASI since 1920. The mosque's rich history and architectural significance make its preservation a matter of national importance.
The court's decision aims to ensure that the mosque remains in optimal condition for worshippers during Ramzan while safeguarding its historical and cultural heritage. By mandating ASI oversight, the court seeks to balance the community's devotional needs with the imperative of preserving India's diverse cultural legacy.
As the ASI prepares to undertake this critical assessment, all eyes are on the forthcoming report, which will determine the scope of permissible maintenance activities. The outcome is poised to set a precedent for how heritage sites of religious significance are managed, especially in contexts where historical narratives and contemporary religious practices intersect.
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