Today, On 9th December, The court commissioner in Sambhal stated that the survey report concerning the mosque is complete. However, citing personal health challenges, they have requested an extension of 15 more days to finalize and submit the report. This delay comes amid heightened public and legal attention on the matter, emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive and accurate submission.
New Delhi: The survey report for the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, which was anticipated on Monday, was not submitted by the advocate commissioner responsible for it, who requested a 15-day extension due to health issues.
Ramesh Singh Raghav, the advocate commissioner, informed reporters that the civil court (senior division) is expected to rule on the extension request around 4 PM.
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Raghav stated,
“I have submitted an adjudication application to the court today. The final survey report is prepared and in its concluding stages. It will be presented in a sealed envelope, but due to my health concerns, I have requested an additional 15 days from the court,”
He added,
“I had a fever for three to four days and have not been able to analyze the report yet. The opposing party will submit their objections, and after considering those, the court will make its decision around 4 PM,”
On November 19, the local court issued an ex-parte order for the mosque’s survey by an advocate commissioner, acknowledging the Hindu side’s claim that the mosque constructed by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing a temple.
During a second survey on November 24, clashes erupted between protesting locals and security personnel, resulting in significant violence that led to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to many others.
Meanwhile, advocate Zafar Ali, representing the Muslim side, stated that the survey report will be submitted in a sealed cover.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s November 29 order, which instructed the Sambhal trial court to suspend proceedings regarding the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey, while directing the UP government to maintain peace and order in the affected area. Ali noted,
“The next proceedings will commence only after the high court and Supreme Court’s decisions; no actions will be taken before that,”
The Sambhal Mosque dispute revolves around the Shahi Jama Masjid located in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India. In November 2024, a group of Hindu petitioners initiated legal proceedings in the Sambhal civil court, claiming that the mosque was built in 1527-28 AD after the demolition of an earlier temple dedicated to Shri Hari Har during the Mughal period.
They are seeking legal acknowledgment of the site’s original status and the right to access the mosque premises.