NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday instructed the management committee of the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Sambhal to approach the high court regarding the trial court’s order for a survey of the mosque. Hindu parties have claimed that the mosque was originally a temple.
While hearing the matter, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar stated that the trial court’s order would remain suspended until the Shahi Idgah committee presents its case before the Allahabad High Court. “We do not want anything to happen until they move the HC. The trial court will not give effect to its order,” the Supreme Court said.
“Peace and harmony must be maintained at all costs,” the bench added.
The court also directed the Allahabad High Court to take up the plea of the Muslim side within three working days after it is filed.
The situation in Sambhal has been tense since November 19, when authorities conducted a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, in response to claims about the site’s historical connection to a Harihar temple. Tensions escalated on November 24, when clashes broke out near the mosque between demonstrators and security forces, resulting in stone-throwing and fires. The violence led to the deaths of four people and several injuries.
On November 19, a suit was filed by eight plaintiffs claiming that the mosque was originally a temple and seeking access rights and an injunction to prevent interference. Acting on the suit, a civil judge issued an ex-parte order that day, directing the mosque’s survey and appointing an advocate commissioner for the task.
