The ASI had earlier stated in its report that there was “no need to paint the mosque.” However, the mosque committee disagreed and submitted a written reply, urging the court to “reject the ASI report.”
Allahabad: Today, 10th March,The Allahabad High Court directed the counsel representing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to provide specific details regarding any potential harm that could result from whitewashing the outer walls of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal issued the direction while hearing an objection from the mosque committee, which stated that it had only sought permission for whitewashing and lighting the mosque’s exterior. The committee claimed that it had not received a specific response from the ASI regarding this request.
Committee counsel S.F.A. Naqvi argued that the ASI’s focus had been solely on the mosque’s interior. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 12 and directed the Sambhal district magistrate to produce the original 1927 agreement under which the mosque was handed over to the ASI.
In its report submitted on February 28, the ASI stated that the mosque’s interior had been painted with ceramic color and did not require additional whitewashing. Naqvi countered that the committee’s request was limited to the outer walls.
The court also instructed the ASI to ensure the removal of dust and overgrown grass from the mosque premises.
During the hearing, the ASI requested the court to grant them time until Tuesday to file a new affidavit. The ASI alleged that the mosque committee had “spoiled the color of this protected monument by painting the building.”
The court instructed ASI to file a clear and detailed affidavit, explaining why the mosque should not be painted.
The ASI had earlier stated in its report that there was “no need to paint the mosque.” However, the mosque committee disagreed and submitted a written reply, urging the court to “reject the ASI report.” In response, the High Court directed ASI to submit an objection to the mosque committee’s reply.
Controversy further escalated when members of the Hindu Mahasabha attempted to perform a ‘havan’ near the mosque.
On Friday, they conducted a ‘havan‘ at the local sub-divisional magistrate (SDM)’s office after being denied permission to perform the ritual at the Shahi Jama Masjid.
According to sources, the Mahasabha members, who had traveled from New Delhi, claimed that the Shahi Jama Masjid was originally the “Harihar temple” and sought permission for the ‘puja’ and ‘havan.’
Sambhal SDM Vandana Mishra stated,
“Some people claiming to be members of the Hindu Mahasabha had come here from New Delhi and sought permission to perform puja and havan at the Shahi Jama Masjid.”
Adding to the controversy, Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Chaudhary made a statement regarding the upcoming Holi celebrations.
He said,
“We have requested the Muslim community not to come on the occasion of Holi if they do not like being coloured. There are 52 Jumma (Fridays) in a year, but Holi is just one day.”
He further added,
“We have requested the Muslim community not to come on the occasion of Holi if they cannot tolerate being coloured.”
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This statement sparked criticism and raised concerns about community harmony.
