The Allahabad High Court has sanctioned the external restoration of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, permitting its whitewashing in accordance with prescribed heritage conservation guidelines.
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma has endorsed the ruling, underscoring the government’s commitment to upholding religious harmony and preserving cultural heritage without prejudice or discrimination.
Judicial & Political Considerations
Responding to the High Court’s determination, Sharma articulated, “The High Court order is welcome, and it is neither the policy of the Centre nor the state government to insult any religious place. If the court allows painting work, then it will happen. We feel that the judicial process is fair, and court orders should be followed by all.” His remarks reflect an affirmation of the judiciary’s impartiality and the state’s adherence to constitutional principles in matters concerning religious structures.
Implementation Of Restoration Under ASI Supervision
Following the judicial directive issued on March 12, the restoration work has commenced under the meticulous oversight of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The appointed contractor, responsible for executing the whitewashing, has confirmed that a specialized team of eight workers has been mobilized, with an anticipated completion timeline of one week.
“A total of eight people are at work. The work of whitewashing has started. We will finish the work within a week. We have been only directed to whitewash the mosque. We have been assigned by the ASI,” the contractor reported, emphasizing strict adherence to the conservation mandate.
Preservation Mandates & Structural Safeguards
The court has explicitly stipulated that the restoration be confined to surface-level maintenance, prohibiting any modifications that could alter the architectural integrity of the mosque. Additionally, provisions have been made for decorative illumination, ensuring the mosque retains its cultural and historical essence. The case is slated for its next judicial review on April 8.
Institutional Oversight
Recognizing the potential for social sensitivities surrounding the restoration, security measures in the Shahi Jama Masjid vicinity have been substantially reinforced. A tripartite oversight committee, comprising ASI officials, a scientific heritage expert, and a local administrative representative, has been constituted to ensure regulatory compliance and the structural preservation of the mosque.
Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra elaborated, “Tight security arrangements have been made around the disputed site. An adequate police force has been deployed. Peace will be maintained. Surveillance is being conducted through CCTV and drones.”
SIT’s Investigative Findings
In a parallel legal development, the Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed an extensive charge sheet in February, exceeding 4,000 pages, addressing six of the 12 cases linked to the November 24 disturbances in Sambhal. These violent incidents, triggered during an ASI-led structural assessment of the Mughal-era mosque, culminated in four fatalities and multiple injuries among law enforcement officials and civilians.
With the restoration progressing under strict institutional supervision, authorities remain vigilant in ensuring a seamless execution of the court’s directives, particularly as the region approaches the observance of Ramzan.
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