Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: The painting and whitewashing work at the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal was completed on Friday (March 21, 2025), marking the conclusion of the Allahabad High Court-mandated renovation process. The lighting work was also expected to be finalized by the end of the day.
Masood Farooqui, secretary of the mosque committee, stated, “The painting and whitewashing work is complete, and we expect the lighting work to be finished today. The high court had set a one-week deadline, and we are confident that all tasks will be completed within the stipulated time.”
The restoration work, carried out under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), commenced on March 16 following court directives. The mosque management had sought permission for whitewashing, additional lighting, and decorative enhancements amidst an ongoing legal battle over the Mughal-era mosque. The dispute arose after an application in the local court claimed that the Shahi Jama Masjid was built over an ancient Hindu temple.
The legal dispute led to a court-ordered survey of the mosque, triggering violence on November 24, the second day of the survey. Clashes erupted between protesters and U.P. police personnel, resulting in heavy stone pelting and alleged gunfire. The police, however, claimed to have used only “mild force” to disperse the crowd. Five people lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries in the violence.
Following the unrest, the Supreme Court intervened, directing the Sambhal trial court to halt further proceedings and suspend the survey. More than 50 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence so far.
