Sambhal Mosque Row: UP Court Orders Survey Report In 10 Days, Next Hearing On January 8

Jama Masjid mosque

A court in Sambhal (UP) on Friday directed the court-appointed commissioner to submit the survey report on the Jama Masjid mosque within 10 days.

The report follows claims that a temple had once stood on the site of the mosque. The next hearing has been scheduled for January 8.

Civil Judge Aditya Singh, who was overseeing the case, was informed by the court-appointed commissioner, Rakesh Singh Raghav, that the survey report had not been completed, and additional time was needed.

The court granted the request, setting the hearing date for January 8.

Amir Hussain, the lawyer representing the mosque committee, confirmed that both Hindu and Muslim representatives were present at the hearing, along with the court commissioner who previously inspected the site.

The commissioner informed the court that he was unable to finalize the report but was instructed by the judge to submit it within the next 10 days. The judge also warned that no further visits to the site would be allowed.

Tensions have been rising in Sambhal since November 19, when a court-mandated survey began at the Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey followed claims that a Harihar temple once stood at the same location.

On November 24, during the 2nd survey, clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, resulting in stone-pelting, arson, and the tragic deaths of 4 individuals, with several others injured.

The situation in Sambhal remains tense, and the outcome of the survey report will likely play a crucial role in the ongoing legal and social developments surrounding the mosque and temple dispute.