Sambhal Temple-Mosque Row: UP Court To Hear Plea On July 21

Sambhal Temple-Mosque Row

A Chandausi court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Thursday has scheduled a hearing on July 21 to consider a plea seeking a ban on offering namaz at the Shahi Jama Masjid, a site claimed by Hindu petitioners to be the ancient Harihar Temple.

Plea Cites “Disputed Status” Of Site

The application, filed by Simran Gupta, argues that since the religious character of the site is under judicial examination, all religious activity—including Islamic prayers—should be suspended until a final ruling is made. The plea contends that Muslims are being allowed to pray at the mosque, while Hindus are barred from worship at the site, and demands equal restriction.

The petitioner also requested that the mosque premises be sealed and handed over to the custody of the Sambhal District Magistrate. Gupta further sought to be included as a petitioner representing the Hindu side in the ongoing legal dispute.

Background

The original suit was filed on November 19, 2023, by eight Hindu petitioners, including well-known advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain. That same day, the court ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid premises. A second round of the court-monitored survey was conducted on November 24.

The matter was placed before the Chandausi Civil Court (Senior Division), with the last hearing held on April 28.

In response to the trial court’s decision allowing the survey, the Muslim side approached the Allahabad High Court. However, on May 19, 2024, the High Court upheld the lower court’s order, permitting the continuation of proceedings at the district level.

Legal Teams Respond To High Court Ruling

Advocate Sri Gopal Sharma, representing the Hindu petitioners, confirmed that the High Court’s ruling was submitted to the Chandausi court as part of the legal record.

Advocate Qasim Jamal, appearing on behalf of the Shahi Jama Masjid committee, acknowledged the submission of the High Court’s order and said the mosque’s legal team will comply with whatever decision the court makes in the ongoing case.

Separately, advocate Babu Lal Saxena, who filed the latest plea on behalf of Simran Gupta, told the media that his client believes no religious activity should be allowed at the disputed location until the matter is legally resolved.

Communal Violence & Arrests

The case is particularly sensitive due to violent clashes that occurred during the second survey on November 24, 2024. The unrest resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to 29 police personnel.

Following the violence, police filed FIRs naming Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and Shahi Jama Masjid president Zafar Ali, along with 2,750 unidentified individuals. So far, 96 people—including Zafar Ali and several advocates—have been arrested and sent to jail in connection with the incident.

Both the plea seeking a ban on namaz and the request to add Gupta as a petitioner on the Hindu side will be taken up for hearing on July 21. The case continues to be closely watched, given its potential social, religious, and political ramifications.