The Allahabad High Court recently addressed a dispute concerning maintenance work at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, ahead of the upcoming Ramadan. The mosque's management committee sought permission to undertake whitewashing and other preparatory activities to ensure the mosque was ready for the holy month. However, objections from various parties led to legal proceedings to resolve the matter.
On February 27, 2025, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to inspect the mosque and assess the necessity of the proposed whitewashing and decorative work. The court mandated that a three-member team, comprising an ASI expert, a scientist, and a district administration official, conduct the inspection and submit a report by the following morning. This swift action was prompted by the urgency of completing any required maintenance before Ramadan commenced on March 1, 2025.
The mosque's management committee, represented by Senior Advocate SFA Naqvi, argued that the ASI was unjustifiably opposing the whitewashing efforts, despite it being within the ASI's purview to maintain such protected monuments. Conversely, ASI's counsel, Advocate Manoj Kumar Singh, contended that their officials had been denied access to the mosque premises by the committee, hindering their ability to evaluate the site's condition accurately.
Adding to the complexity, Advocate Har Shankar Jain, representing one of the respondents, expressed concerns that the whitewashing could potentially deface alleged Hindu artifacts within the mosque. He emphasized the need to preserve these elements, suggesting that any maintenance work should be carefully monitored to prevent damage to the site's historical features.
In response to these concerns, the High Court underscored the importance of maintaining communal harmony, especially during significant religious periods like Ramadan. The court aimed to balance the mosque's maintenance needs with the preservation of its historical integrity and the sentiments of all communities involved.
Following the court's directive, the ASI conducted its inspection and submitted a report stating that the mosque, being covered with enamel paint in good condition, did not require whitewashing at this time. The report suggested that the existing paint was sufficient and that additional whitewashing was unnecessary.
Despite the ASI's findings, the mosque's management committee maintained that whitewashing was essential for the mosque's upkeep and to honor the traditions associated with Ramadan. They disputed the ASI's assessment, prompting the court to grant them time until the following Tuesday to file formal objections or responses to the report.
In the interim, the High Court authorized the cleaning of the mosque premises. This included the removal of dust and vegetation both inside and around the mosque to ensure a clean environment for worshippers during Ramadan. The court stipulated that this cleaning process should be carried out under the supervision of the appointed committee to ensure compliance with preservation norms and to address the concerns raised by all parties.
This case highlights the delicate balance between preserving historical monuments and accommodating the religious practices of communities. The Shahi Jama Masjid, established during the Mughal era, holds significant historical and cultural value. Ensuring its maintenance while respecting its heritage and the sentiments of different communities requires careful deliberation and sensitivity.
The High Court's intervention demonstrates a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that actions taken are in the best interest of both heritage conservation and communal harmony. The forthcoming responses and subsequent hearings will further clarify the permissible extent of maintenance activities at the mosque, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.
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