Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to undertake and complete the whitewashing of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, within a week. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal also ordered the installation of lights on the outer portion of the mosque.
During the hearing, ASI’s counsel was asked to clarify how whitewashing the outer walls would cause any prejudice. Advocate SFA Naqvi, representing the mosque committee, argued that ASI had not provided any clear reasons for denying whitewashing and additional lighting. He also presented colored photographs of the mosque’s exterior, emphasizing the necessity of whitewashing.
The High Court’s order comes amid legal debates over the maintenance and preservation of heritage structures. ASI is now expected to comply with the directive within the stipulated timeframe.
