Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: The court-appointed advocate commissioner, Ramesh Singh Raghav, has submitted a comprehensive survey report on the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal to the Chandausi Civil Judge Senior Division. The 45-page report, compiled during surveys conducted on November 19 and 24, includes over 1,000 photographs and detailed architectural findings.
Background
The survey was initiated following claims that the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing Hindu temple, specifically the Harihar Temple. The court-ordered survey aimed to investigate these assertions by documenting the mosque’s architectural features. Notably, the survey identified elements such as lotus motifs on pillars and a carved urn within the mosque premises.
Submission Details
Advocate Commissioner Raghav submitted the report in a sealed envelope, adhering to directives from higher judicial authorities. The contents of the report will remain confidential pending further instructions from the Supreme Court or the High Court.
Incidents During the Survey
The survey process was marked by significant unrest. On November 24, clashes erupted near the Shahi Jama Masjid, resulting in four fatalities and injuries to several individuals, including police personnel. The violence led to the registration of cases against various individuals, including a Member of Parliament, for allegedly inciting the disturbances.
Legal and Political Reactions
The survey and its associated events have sparked considerable debate. The Supreme Court has intervened, restraining courts across the country from entertaining new lawsuits or issuing orders related to the reclamation of religious sites until further notice. Political entities, including the Congress party, have criticized the actions surrounding the survey, alleging that communal tensions are being deliberatrow political gains.
Next Steps
The court will review the submitted report following guidance from higher judicial authorities. The findings are anticipated to play a crucial role in the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the historical status of the Shahi Jama Masjid and the claims of an underlying Hindu temple.
