Allahabad High Court Extends Stay on FIR Against Police Officers in Sambhal Violence Case

The Allahabad High Court has extended the interim stay on an FIR against police officers involved in the November 2024 Sambhal violence case. The court's decision follows a petition challenging the chief judicial magistrate's order to register the FIR. The violence, which resulted in five fatalities, was sparked by protests against a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The next hearing is scheduled for April 21, as the court examines the legal implications of the case and the actions of the police officers involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 13:25 IST

High Court's Decision on FIR Stay

On Tuesday, the Allahabad High Court decided to prolong the interim stay on the order from the chief judicial magistrate of Sambhal, which mandated the filing of a first information report (FIR) against several police officials linked to the violence that erupted in the town in November 2024.

The chief judicial magistrate, Vibhanshu Sudheer, had previously instructed that a case be initiated against Additional Superintendent of Police Anuj Chaudhary, Inspector Anuj Tomar, and approximately 15 to 20 unidentified officers due to allegations that a man named Alam was shot and injured during the unrest.

The violence was triggered when a group of Muslims protested against a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi, which had been ordered by a trial court.

This survey was part of a legal dispute claiming that the mosque was constructed in 1526 by Mughal emperor Babar on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Kalki.

The unrest resulted in the deaths of five individuals.

At the time of the incident, Chaudhary was serving as the circle officer of Sambhal.

Yameen, Alam's father, reported that his son had gone out to sell rusks that day and alleged that police shot him near the mosque.

The chief judicial magistrate noted that while it was evident Alam had sustained gunshot wounds, it was crucial to identify the shooter. He emphasized the seriousness of the attempted murder charge, suggesting that the victim would not falsely accuse someone else.

Sudheer also remarked that police could not claim immunity from criminal acts by asserting they were performing their official duties.

Following his ruling, Sudheer was among 14 judicial officers transferred by the High Court, moving to Sultanpur as a civil judge (senior division) on January 20.

Aditya Singh, who previously served as the civil judge (senior division) in Chandausi, has taken over his position. Singh was the judge who had ordered the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.

On Tuesday, Justice Samit Gopal was reviewing a petition from Chaudhary and Tomar contesting the magistrate's order. Gopal extended the interim stay and scheduled the next hearing for April 21.

The High Court had previously halted Sudheer's order after considering a petition that challenged it.

During that session, the state government's counsel argued that the chief judicial magistrate had overstepped his authority by neglecting essential legal safeguards, stating that the police officers were not given a chance to respond to the allegations before the magistrate.