The decision was made after considering the arguments from the State Government, the Counsel for the ASI, and the Counsel for the Management Committee.
The Allahabad High Court on February 27 directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to inspect the Sambhal's Shahi Jama Mosque to assess the need for whitewashing and decorative arrangements (at the site) ahead of the Ramzan month. As per a Live Law report, the court also instructed the ASI to submit a report in this regard by February 28 at 10 AM.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal led bench issued the order on an application filed by the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, challenging objections raised by the respondents regarding the mosque's preparatory work.
The Court directed a three-member team to visit the mosque, conduct an inspection, and submit a report by 10 AM on February 28. The decision was made after considering the arguments from the State Government, the Counsel for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and the Counsel for the Management Committee, while also taking into account the urgency of the situation, with Ramzan starting on March 1.
The Shahi Jama Masjid has been at the centre of controversy since November 24, when a court-ordered ASI survey led to violent clashes. The survey was initiated after a petition claimed that the mosque was built over an ancient Harihar temple that was allegedly demolished during the Mughal era.