The Allahabad High Court Today (March 12) directed the ASI to complete whitewashing and lighting of Jama Masjid, Sambhal, within a week. The court also raised concerns over the 1927 agreement, questioning the Masjid Committee’s compliance.
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UTTAR PRADESH: The Allahabad High Court has given a clear order to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to finish the whitewashing work of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, within one week.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal also told the ASI to put up proper lights on the outer part of the mosque.
A few days earlier, on Monday, the High Court had asked the ASI’s lawyer to explain why the whitewashing of the mosque’s outer walls would be a problem. During the hearing, SFA Naqvi, who represents the Masjid Committee, said,
“ASI till date, has not disclosed in its affidavit that it is denying the whitewashing, extra lighting and installation of decorative lights outside the disputed structure.”
He also showed colored photographs of the mosque’s outer walls to prove that whitewashing was necessary.
The Jama Masjid is a very old and important historical monument, and because of this, it is under the ASI’s care. The petition, which was filed by local people and conservationists, said that the mosque had not been properly maintained for many years. Due to this neglect, dirt and dust had gathered on the walls, making the mosque look dull and affecting its structure.
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The High Court, in its decision, made it clear that this work must be done quickly. It also told the ASI to be careful and follow the correct rules for preserving historical buildings. The court reminded ASI that it is their duty to take care of the mosque and keep it safe.
During the hearing, the court also talked about an old 1927 agreement between the government and the mosque committee. The court made a strong remark, saying,
“Hawa mei behes nahi hoti hai. Advocate General is here, ask him to give notice to the masjid committee (that the 1927 agreement is cancelled). All the obligations of the erstwhile government are now on this government under the agreement. The ASI has to say that the masjid committee has violated the agreement… both ASI and state counsels are there in the court and they have not served any notice stating that the masjid committee has violated the agreement.”
This statement means that the current government is responsible for the obligations mentioned in the old agreement, and legal notices should be sent to the Masjid Committee for breaking the terms of that agreement.
The local people have welcomed the High Court’s decision. They believe that this restoration work will protect the mosque’s heritage and cultural value.
It will also provide a cleaner and better place for people to pray.
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