NEW DELHI: As Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal reeled from violent clashes and unrest, the Supreme Court on Friday directed a trial court to halt proceedings related to the contentious survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. The move comes amid tensions following a November 19 court order that authorised the survey of the mosque, based on claims that it was constructed by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing a temple. The apex court also instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to take measures to maintain peace and harmony in the region.
The situation in Sambhal had been tense since November 24, when clashes erupted near the mosque, resulting in stone pelting and arson that led to the deaths of four people. In response, internet services were suspended and prohibitory orders were enforced. However, in a bid to restore normalcy, internet services were restored on Friday afternoon, and the day’s Friday prayers were conducted peacefully, according to officials.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, further directed that the survey report prepared by the court-appointed commissioner be kept sealed until the Allahabad high court or an appropriate appellate forum hears the mosque committee’s appeal. The bench also urged the formation of a peace committee comprising members from both communities to foster dialogue and prevent further unrest.
Key points on the Sambhal mosque row:
- Supreme Court intervention: The apex court temporarily halted all proceedings related to the mosque survey at the trial court level, instructing that the matter be taken up by the Allahabad High Court within three working days.
- Sealed survey report: The Supreme Court directed that the advocate commissioner’s survey report remain sealed and unopened until further orders from the appellate court.
- Internet services restored: Internet services, suspended after the November 24 violence, were restored on Friday afternoon, marking a step towards restoring normalcy in the district.
- Friday prayers held peacefully: District authorities ensured that prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid and other mosques passed off peacefully, deploying heavy police presence and installing additional CCTV cameras and drones for surveillance.
- Tensions since survey order: The controversy began after a civil court ordered a survey of the mosque following claims by a Hindu group that the mosque was built on the ruins of a temple.
- November 24 violence: On November 24, clashes between protesters and security personnel near the mosque resulted in stone pelting, arson, and the deaths of four people, with several others injured.
- Peace efforts by authorities: The district administration imposed prohibitory orders, and the Supreme Court instructed the state to set up a peace committee to mediate between communities.
- Mosque committee’s appeal: The Shahi Jama Masjid Committee challenged the survey order in the Supreme Court, citing the potential for
communal unrest and calling for immediate intervention. - State government’s assurance: The Additional Solicitor General, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, assured the Supreme Court of the state’s commitment to maintaining peace.
- SP delegation to visit Sambhal on Saturday: A delegation from the Samajwadi Party is set to visit Sambhal on Saturday, with the Congress planning a visit on December 2, to assess the situation and report back to their respective party leadership.