SC Directs Status Quo at Mosque in Sambhal, Restricts Religious Rituals at Well

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court on Friday directed the status quo be maintained at a well near the disputed Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Hindus claim the site to be the Harihar Temple. The court barred any puja or holy bath at the well, which has become a point of contention. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna also stayed the execution of a notice issued by the Sambhal municipal authorities concerning the well. The court emphasized its focus on maintaining peace and harmony in the region.

The directive came in response to a plea by the Committee of Management of Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal. The Bench, which also included Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar instructed the Uttar Pradesh authorities the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other parties to refrain from any actions involving the well. A status report from the authorities has been requested within two weeks and the matter has been scheduled for further hearing on February 25. The court also addressed concerns raised by senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi on behalf of the mosque committee arguing that the well had been used by the mosque for centuries. On the other hand advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain representing the Hindu side claimed the well was outside the mosque’s purview and had been a place of worship.

The Chief Justice clarified, “No puja or digging will be permitted,” stressing the importance of maintaining the status quo. The dispute over the mosque stems from claims that it was constructed over a demolished temple during the Mughal era. The mosque committee further alleged that the Sambhal district administration was conducting efforts to revive old temples and wells, including the well near the mosque entrance.

In a related development, the court took note of the Allahabad High Court's earlier directive to consolidate 15 lawsuits concerning the Mathura Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute. The Supreme Court supported the High Court's decision to combine the suits, noting it would benefit all parties involved. The top court has previously restrained trial courts nationwide from entertaining fresh suits or issuing final orders regarding the religious character of places of worship though it has allowed proceedings in 18 pending cases. The matter continues to raise concerns over communal harmony with the Supreme Court asserting its intent to closely monitor developments.