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We are not allowed to enter the mosque : ASI

  • Affidavit of the Archaeological Survey of India in Court regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh

  • Illegal construction has changed the original structure

  • Muslims refuse to hand over control even though the Jama Masjid is officially under the jurisdiction of ASI

Sambhal (UP) – The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stated in an affidavit submitted to the Court that its team has not been allowed to enter the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The affidavit also mentions that several illegal constructions have been made, altering the original structure.

Hindus claim that the Shahi Jama Masjid was originally the Harihar Temple, which was demolished by Babur’s commander to build the mosque. A petition was filed in the local civil Court regarding this claim, and the Court has ordered a survey of the mosque. Notices have also been issued to the Government, the ASI, and the mosque committee. In compliance with the Court’s order, the ASI has submitted the affidavit.

The affidavit further states :

1. The responsibility for the preservation and maintenance of the mosque has been with us since 1920, but for a long time, our team has been prevented from entering the mosque. As a result, no information is available about the mosque at present. Whenever the team attempted to inspect the mosque, people opposed and blocked their way, preventing further investigation of any internal illegal construction.

2. Our team visited the mosque in 1998. Later, in June 2024, our team was able to enter the mosque with the help of local administration and Police. At that time, additional construction was observed in the mosque building.

3. The provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 have been grossly violated in the mosque complex. We have issued a show-cause notice to those responsible for the illegal construction in the mosque.

4. There are iron railings on both sides of the steps of the main mosque building. On 16th February 2018, the Additional Commissioner of the Agra Division directed the Sambhal District Magistrate to remove these railings. No action has been taken so far.

5. The mosque committee has painted the Jama Masjid, and plaster of Paris has been used over the original stone construction, thereby destroying the original form of the mosque.

Editorial Perspective

The 850-year-old structure, which is under the ASI’s jurisdiction and responsibility, has been denied control by the Muslim community. This reflects their autocratic behaviour. The Court must intervene and issue an order in this regard !

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