Shahi Mosque Survey Report Deadline Looms in Sambhal
The 10-day deadline set by the Sambhal trial court for the submission of the advocate commissioner’s survey report on the Shahi mosque is set to expire on Monday. Ramesh Raghav, the advocate commissioner, confirmed this on Sunday.
“The report is still in the final stages. Some analysis is pending. If it is completed, then the report will be presented in court on Monday. Otherwise, we will seek more time from the court,” Raghav stated.
The top court had also ordered to keep the survey report sealed until the Allahabad High Court hears the mosque committee’s plea.
Background of the Survey
Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who initiated this process, filed a petition requesting a survey of the Shahi mosque. On November 19, the court of civil judges (senior division) appointed Ramesh Raghav as the advocate commissioner to conduct the survey.
The initial survey took place on November 19 evening in the presence of district magistrate Rajendra Pensiya and district police chief KK Bishnoi. A second round began on November 24, sparking protests and violence that resulted in four deaths. Following the unrest, the court granted Raghav 10 days to finalize the report on November 29.
Jain’s petition asserts that the Shahi mosque was originally a Hindu temple, Hari Har Mandir, dedicated to Lord Kalki.
Significance of the Shahi Mosque
The Shahi Mosque, an important religious and historical landmark for the Muslim community, is believed to date back to the 16th century. Constructed by Mir Hindu Beg, a Mughal general, the mosque is located at the heart of Sambhal City in Mohalla Kot Purvi.
Recognized as a protected monument since 1920 under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904, the Shahi Mosque is listed on the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) website as a centrally protected monument.
Ongoing Investigations
To shed light on the November 24 violence, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a three-member judicial inquiry commission. Headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Devendra Kumar Arora, the commission is tasked with completing its investigation within two months.
The investigation aims to serve public interest and ensure transparency, as emphasized by Governor Anandiben Patel. The commission also includes retired IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad and retired IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.