Sambhal: The district administration of Sambhal has stated that no decorative work will be permitted at the Shahi Jama Masjid ahead of Ramzan without approval from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The announcement comes a day after the mosque’s management committee formally sought ASI’s permission for cleaning, painting, and decorating the historic structure.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya emphasized that the matter was sub judice and the property belonged to the ASI. “Until the ASI grants permission, no one has the right to tamper with the mosque in any way,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the mosque has traditionally undergone cleaning and decoration before Ramzan, the management committee, led by Zafar Ali, took the precaution of seeking official approval to ensure peace and communal harmony. Ali expressed optimism that the ASI would allow the continuation of this long-standing practice.
The Mughal-era mosque has been at the center of controversy following a court-ordered survey, which was initiated after a petition claimed that a Harihar temple once stood at the site. The survey had previously led to violent clashes, resulting in casualties.
The administration has reiterated that all decisions regarding the mosque’s maintenance and modifications rest solely with the ASI, with no intervention from local authorities.
