Chandausi court to hear petition demanding ban on namaz at Shahi Jama Masjid, claimed to be Harihar Temple. Petitioner cites disputed status and seeks sealing of the site.
Sambhal (UP): Today, on July 3, a local court in Chandausi, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, has decided to hear on July 21 a petition demanding a ban on offering namaz at the Shahi Jama Masjid.
The petitioner, Simran Gupta, claims that the mosque is built on a disputed land that was once the Harihar Temple. Because of this ongoing dispute, she is seeking a complete ban on religious activities at the site until the court gives a final judgment.
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The petition, presented before Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh, argues that since the site has been recognized as disputed by the court, Muslims should also be temporarily barred from offering prayers there, just like Hindus are currently not allowed to worship at the place.
The plea requests that the mosque be sealed and placed under the care of the Sambhal District Magistrate.
Simran Gupta also asked the court to be included as a petitioner representing the Hindu side in the case. The court has agreed to hear both of these issues together on July 21.
The original legal suit regarding the site was filed on November 19, 2023, by eight Hindu petitioners, including well-known advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain. On the same day, a survey was conducted at the mosque premises under court orders.
A second round of survey took place on November 24, 2023. After the surveys were completed, the matter was submitted before the Chandausi civil court. The most recent hearing in this case happened on April 28, 2024.
Meanwhile, the dispute also reached the Allahabad High Court, where the Muslim side challenged the lower court’s order to conduct the mosque survey.
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However, on May 19, 2024, the High Court dismissed the challenge and upheld the trial court’s order, allowing the lower court to continue proceedings in the matter.
“The petitioner argued that since the site was deemed disputed by the court, Muslims too should be barred from offering prayers, just as Hindus were restricted from worship.”
“The plea requested that the mosque be sealed and placed under the custody of the Sambhal District Magistrate.”
“Gupta also sought to be made a petitioner on behalf of the Hindu side.”
“Both matters will come up on July 21.”
According to advocate Sri Gopal Sharma, who is representing the Hindu petitioners, the certified copy of the Allahabad High Court’s order dismissing the Muslim side’s plea has already been submitted as part of the case record.
“Advocate Sri Gopal Sharma, representing the Hindu side, told media that the high court’s order rejecting the Muslim side plea was submitted in court as part of the record.”
On the other hand, advocate Qasim Jamal, who is appearing on behalf of the mosque’s management, acknowledged that the opposing party had indeed filed the High Court’s order and said that the mosque’s legal team will respect and follow whatever direction the court gives.
“Advocate Qasim Jamal, representing the Shahi Jama Masjid, acknowledged that the opposing side had submitted the High Court’s ruling and said the mosque’s legal team would abide by whatever order the court issues.”
Meanwhile, Babu Lal Saxena, another advocate who filed a separate plea seeking a stay on namaz at the disputed site, said that his client, Simran Gupta, believes that no group should be allowed to carry out religious activities at the site until the court gives a final decision.
“Advocate Babu Lal Saxena, who filed the petition seeking a stay on namaz, told media that his client Gupta believes religious activity by any group should be restricted at the disputed site until a final judgment is passed.”
The legal conflict also witnessed a violent incident on November 24, 2024, during the second survey of the mosque by authorities.
Clashes broke out in Sambhal, leading to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to 29 police personnel.
Following the violence, the police filed FIRs against Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament Ziaur Rahman Barq and Shahi Jama Masjid President Zafar Ali.
The FIRs also included the names of 2,750 unidentified people. So far, 96 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, including Zafar Ali and several lawyers.
Case Title:
Simran Gupta v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Others
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