The survey of Jama Masjid Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh was conducted on Tuesday in compliance with a court directive. This action was prompted by a petition asserting that the site was originally home to an ancient temple of great importance to the Hindu religion.
Earlier, a civil court in Sambhal instructed the advocate-commissioner to carry out a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid Sambhal. This directive was issued in response to a petition submitted by advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and six other individuals, marking the latest development in a series of disputes concerning Muslim places of worship. Some right-wing activists assert that these structures were constructed following the demolition of temples during the Mughal period.
Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia affirmed that the survey was conducted by an advocate commissioner, with representatives from both parties in attendance throughout the procedure. “Our role was solely to ensure security and protection. The advocate commissioner has completed the survey today and will submit the report to the court,” Pensia stated. He further noted that any subsequent actions would be contingent upon the court’s ruling.
Zia Ur Rehman Barq, a Samajwadi Party MP, has raised objections regarding the development, emphasising that Jama Masjid is a historical and ancient structure. While referring to Supreme Court ruling from 1991, which stated that the status of religious sites should remain unchanged since 1947, Barq reaffirmed that the mosque has consistently been recognised as a mosque and will remain a mosque forever.
