Allahabad HC Calls Sambhal Mosque ‘Disputed’; Hindu Side Reacts:

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the words "disputed structure" can be inscribed on the wall of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, following objections raised by the Muslim committee over the whitewashing of the mosque. The decision aligns with the demand of the Hindu side, which argues that the religious site is under legal contention.

Why is the Structure Being Labeled as "Disputed"?

Advocate Hari Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu petitioners, stated:

“When a structure is under legal dispute, it cannot be called a mosque or anything else until the court delivers a verdict.”

He further compared the case to the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute, which was also referred to as a “disputed structure” for 70 years until the Supreme Court’s final judgment.

The court has set March 10 as the next hearing date for the case.

ASI’s Role in the Sambhal Jama Masjid Case

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted a report to the Allahabad High Court, detailing the cleanliness and maintenance of the mosque.

During the hearing, ASI officials claimed that they were under pressure from the Muslim side regarding the painting and upkeep of the mosque walls.

What is the Dispute Over Sambhal Jama Masjid?

The legal battle stems from claims that the Shahi Jama Masjid was built after demolishing the historic Harihar Temple that once stood on the same site.

Timeline of the dispute:
Hindu groups allege that the site originally housed a temple.
A court-ordered ASI survey was conducted on November 24, 2023, to investigate the claim.
The matter remains sub judice, with both sides awaiting a legal resolution.

With the next court hearing scheduled for March 10, the controversy over the Jama Masjid in Sambhal continues to be a significant legal and religious flashpoint.