The Allahabad High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India to complete the whitewashing of the Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district within a week.
The order was issued on March 12, 2025, by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, who also instructed the ASI to install lights on the mosque’s outer portion.
Court Questions ASI’s Stance On Whitewashing
Earlier, on March 10, the court had asked ASI’s counsel to clarify why whitewashing the mosque’s exterior would cause any prejudice. The directive came after the masjid committee’s lawyer, SFA Naqvi, argued that the ASI had not explicitly stated any objection to whitewashing, additional lighting, or decorative light installations.
Visual Evidence Submitted
Naqvi also presented colored photographs of the mosque’s exterior, highlighting the need for whitewashing and better lighting. Based on these submissions, the court issued its order, directing ASI to proceed with the maintenance work without delay.
This matter underscores the ongoing discussions about the preservation and upkeep of heritage structures while ensuring their aesthetic and functional upkeep.
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