New Delhi, March 16: The Supreme Court was scheduled to hold a significant hearing on the ongoing dispute regarding the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. However, the hearing has been postponed. The apex court has directed that the next hearing will take place in three weeks.
This case is linked to a petition filed by the Muslim side challenging the decision of the Allahabad High Court. The High Court had upheld the lower court’s order for a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid to be conducted through a court commissioner.
The Muslim petitioners argue that the lower court does not have the jurisdiction to order such a survey. They contend that directing a survey by a court commissioner in a dispute related to the mosque exceeds judicial procedure and authority, and therefore, it should be annulled.
During a previous hearing, Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, informed the High Court that the Shahi Masjid is already a protected monument. He claimed that the Places of Worship Act does not apply here. Jain also asserted that ancient evidence related to a temple at the disputed site is being destroyed, making the survey necessary.
In contrast, the Allahabad High Court stated that the survey conducted by the court commissioner is within legal bounds and does not violate any laws. The High Court clarified that if a monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, do not automatically apply.
Challenging this order, the Muslim side has approached the Supreme Court. All eyes are now on the upcoming hearing, which will determine the legal direction regarding the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
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