Prayagraj, May 19 – The Allahabad High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by the Committee of Management, Shahi Jama Masjid, challenging a lower court's order for a survey in connection with a religious dispute involving the Shahi Jama Masjid and the Harihar Temple in Sambhal district.
Court Affirms Validity of Survey and Suit
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal ruled that both the civil suit and the appointment of a court commissioner for the survey were maintainable. The High Court’s decision clears the way for further proceedings related to the site located at Mohalla Kot Purvi in Sambhal.The Masjid committee had approached the High Court to contest the Sambhal civil judge's decision, which had allowed an advocate commissioner to conduct a survey of the mosque premises.
Background of the Dispute
The suit was originally filed by Hari Shanker Jain and seven others, who claimed that the Shahi Idgah Mosque was constructed after the demolition of a temple — the Harihar Mandir — by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526. The plaintiffs asserted their right to access and worship at the religious site.In its plea, the Masjid committee argued that the civil suit was filed on November 19, 2024, and on the same day, the court appointed an advocate commissioner who began the survey immediately. A second survey was reportedly conducted on November 24, 2024, with instructions to submit the report by November 29.
ASI Also Heard in the Case
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was also represented during the hearings, though the specifics of its stance were not detailed in the judgment.The High Court had earlier stayed proceedings in the trial court pending the outcome of this petition. With the dismissal, the legal process concerning the site survey and claims is set to resume.
