No Tampering Allowed: ASI Bans Whitewashing at Jama Masjid Amid Legal Battle

Prayagraj (The Uttam Hindu): Only cleaning will be done at the Jama Masjid in Sambhal; no whitewashing or repairs will be carried out. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted a report, including photographs, stating that whitewashing is not necessary. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal has given the petitioner time to file a response to the report and asked ASI to submit the report along with an affidavit by Monday. The next hearing has been scheduled for March 5.

ASI stated that whitewashing or repairs cannot be permitted at the protected site. The temple side opposed the process, raising concerns about the possibility of tampering with evidence under the guise of cleaning and repairs. Previously, ASI had rejected the Jama Masjid Intizamia Committee’s petition, after which the committee filed a petition in the High Court. On Thursday, the High Court constituted a three-member committee from ASI and requested a report by Friday. The state government and the temple side have also opposed this petition.