Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the plea against Allahabad High Court’s ruling that ordered Shahi Jama Masjid committee of Sambhal to bear the cost of whitewashing. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) performed the work of whitewashing for outer portions of the so-called Shahi Jama Masjid and mosque committee was directed to pay costs for such work. The issue was approached at Allahabad HC and the court ordered in favored of ASI.
The renovation work at the so-called Shahi Jama Masjid, a disputed structure built illegally over Hindu mandir, in Sambhal has been questioned due to a legal dispute over the history of the mosque. It was in the midst of controversy after a petition was moved citing that it was built on an ancient Hindu temple – Harihar Mandir. Following court’s direction, a survey team had visited the disputed religious site when it was violently attacked by Islamist mobs in November last year, resulting in the death of 4 rioters, and multiple injuries to police personnel.
The case went to court, and the Allahabad High Court was the final court to hear the matter, where the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee, which governs the mosque, objected to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)’s survey report. The mosque committee was not happy with the work being done and sought permission to undertake further renovations, including whitewashing the exterior walls, fitting lighting, and introducing decorative elements on the exterior of the mosque.
On March 12, the Allahabad High Court passed an order directing the ASI to whitewash the mosque’s outer walls within a week, despite the objections raised by the mosque committee. The court ruled that the ASI was to bear the responsibility for the whitewashing but mandated that the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee reimburse the costs of this work. The committee was directed to reimburse the expenditure incurred by ASI throughout the process.
Later, the mosque committee went to the Supreme Court, asking to reverse the order of the Allahabad High Court. They contended that the ASI cannot recover the expenditure from them, stating that the order was defective. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the plea, refusing to intervene in the matter and upheld the Allahabad High Court’s decision.
The whitewashing work, supervised by the ASI, was completed a few days ago after assessments and measurements were conducted by the ASI teams on March 13. Although there is the controversial debate ongoing, the exterior work of the mosque was completed within time, and the mosque lies under a refined and renovated condition.
