SC to hear plea on Sambhal mosque.
The decision comes amid rising tensions following clashes that erupted in the area, prompting calls for a thorough investigation. Authorities have assured that the probe will be impartial and aimed at uncovering the root cause of the violence. Local officials have been directed to cooperate fully with the inquiry team to ensure a comprehensive report. Meanwhile, security has been heightened in the region to prevent further unrest, and peace talks are being facilitated between community leaders to restore normalcy in Sambhal.
Supreme Court to Hear Plea Against Mosque Survey in Sambhal
The survey was directed to verify claims regarding the disputed structure, specifically whether the mosque was originally a Harihar temple. The matter has drawn significant attention due to the religious sensitivities involved and the violence that erupted during the initial survey attempt.
The plea before the Supreme Court challenges the order passed by Chandausi’s Civil Judge on November 19, which mandated the survey of the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid. In its special leave petition (SLP), the mosque committee has requested an ad-interim and ex-parte stay on the operation of the impugned decision. The committee argues that the district court’s order has the potential to disturb communal harmony in the area, and an immediate stay is essential to prevent further unrest.
The controversy surrounding the mosque and temple dispute has a long history, but the recent escalation occurred during the survey on November 24, 2024. The situation turned violent, resulting in injuries to several police personnel, the death of four individuals, and extensive property damage.
The state government’s inquiry order emphasized the need to investigate whether the violence was a pre-planned conspiracy or a spontaneous criminal act government’s order.
The judicial inquiry will be led by a retired judge, and the report is expected to shed light on the events that unfolded during the survey. Authorities have assured that the probe will be impartial and transparent, with the objective of restoring peace and ensuring justice for those affected by the violence.
Meanwhile, security has been heightened in Sambhal and surrounding areas to prevent any further clashes. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to maintain law and order, and community leaders are being engaged in dialogue to ease tensions.
The legal battle over the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid vs. Harihar Mandir dispute is reminiscent of other high-profile religious site conflicts in India, where historical claims and contemporary religious sentiments often intersect. The Supreme Court’s decision on the plea is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for the ongoing dispute but also for similar cases across the country.
Legal experts and religious scholars are closely watching the developments, as the case highlights the delicate balance between protecting religious heritage and maintaining communal harmony. The mosque committee has argued that the district court’s order lacks sufficient historical evidence and fails to consider the broader impact on social stability. On the other hand, proponents of the survey claim that an investigation into the site’s history is essential for establishing the truth and ensuring justice.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the plea, the residents of Sambhal and the nation await a verdict that could shape the future of religious site disputes in India. The court’s decision will be critical in determining the course of action for the disputed mosque and temple site and could serve as a precedent for resolving similar conflicts in the future.
For now, the focus remains on maintaining peace and order in Sambhal, with all eyes on the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing and the findings of the judicial inquiry.