The Allahabad High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by the Muslim side that sought to stop the trial court’s order for a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district.
The High Court upheld the lower court’s decision, stating there was “no issue with the trial court order,” according to reports by PTI.
The dispute centers on claims made by some petitioners who allege that the site of the mosque was once the location of the Harihar Mandir, a temple dedicated to Kalki, and that the mosque was constructed in 1526 after the temple was demolished.
In response to these claims, the trial court had ordered a survey of the mosque premises. A civil revision petition was subsequently filed by the management committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid, asking the High Court to intervene and stay the district court proceedings.
However, the Allahabad High Court declined the request, clearing the way for the continuation of the legal and survey proceedings.
Advocate Gopal Sharma, who is representing the Hindu side in the matter, explained the sequence of events leading up to the High Court’s ruling. Speaking to ANI, he said, “On 19th November 2024, we filed a petition. The court had ordered a survey. The survey was conducted in two parts. The party of Jama Masjid went to the Supreme Court against the survey… The Supreme Court asked them to go to the High Court.”
The matter remains under consideration in the Sambhal district court as the legal battle over the historical claims and religious significance of the site continues.