Allahabad High Court Upholds Survey Order for Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal

The Allahabad High Court has recently upheld a trial court's order for a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, dismissing the Mosque Committee's plea. This decision is part of an ongoing legal battle concerning allegations that the mosque was built on the site of a demolished temple. The court found no issues with the trial court's ruling and stated that the Hindu plaintiffs are not barred from pursuing their claims. The implications of this ruling could be significant as the case progresses, and the mosque committee may consider further legal action.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 19, 2025, 15:13 IST

Court Decision on Mosque Survey

On Monday, the Allahabad High Court rejected the Mosque Committee's appeal against a trial court ruling from November 19, which mandated a survey of the mosque amid allegations that it was constructed on the site of a demolished temple. This ruling is part of an ongoing legal dispute involving the Jama Masjid and the Harihar Mandir located in Sambhal district.

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal's bench affirmed the trial court's decision to conduct the survey, indicating that the Hindu plaintiffs are not prima facie barred from pursuing their claims. The court found no faults with the trial court's order.

The mosque management committee had previously filed a civil revision petition to halt the trial court's proceedings regarding an original suit that is currently pending in the Sambhal district court.

In November 2024, the Supreme Court had temporarily halted the trial court's proceedings, instructing that no hearings occur until the mosque committee's petition against the survey order is addressed in the Allahabad High Court.

Following the verdict, advocate Hari Shankar Jain commented, stating, "The court dismissed the Muslim side's plea, affirming that the survey was valid. The findings from the survey will be documented as part of the case record. Should the Muslim side choose to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, we are prepared to respond."