Sambhal Temple-Mosque Row: UP Court Sets Sep 25 For Hearing

A civil court in Chandausi, UP has set September 25 as the new date for proceedings in the Shahi Jama Masjid–Harihar temple dispute, after today’s scheduled hearing was postponed.

The matter is being heard by Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh.

Proceedings Put Off Following SC Intervention

The case was expected to be taken up today itself, but the hearing was adjourned owing to a stay order issued by the Supreme Court.

Speaking to reporters, mosque side counsel Shakeel Ahmed Warsi said the matter will now be heard later next month. Hindu side lawyer Shri Shri Gopal Sharma also confirmed the rescheduling.

How The Dispute Began

The controversy traces back to November 19, 2023, when a group of Hindu petitioners, including advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain, approached the Sambhal district court. Their petition claimed that the Shahi Jama Masjid had been built on the ruins of an ancient Harihar temple.

On the same day, the court ordered a survey of the site, which was carried out immediately. A 2nd inspection was conducted on November 24, just days later.

Violence After The 2nd Survey

The November 24 survey sparked major unrest in Sambhal, resulting in four deaths and injuries to 29 policemen.

Following the violence, police registered multiple cases. Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and mosque committee president Zafar Ali were named in FIRs. Authorities also filed a sweeping case against 2,750 unidentified individuals for their alleged involvement.

Court’s Ruling

The mosque management later questioned the maintainability of the suit before the Allahabad High Court. But on May 19, 2024, the high court upheld the Sambhal court’s decision, allowing the survey to proceed under judicial supervision.

Since then, the matter has remained active in the trial court, while the Supreme Court’s stay order has temporarily slowed further hearings.

The court will now resume proceedings on September 25, when both parties are expected to put forward arguments.

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