Big Update on Sambhal Mosque, Supreme Court Issues Order to Lower Court, Comments on Survey Report

Supreme Court Orders on Sambhal Jama Masjid Survey Dispute

In a major development on Friday, the Supreme Court of India intervened in the on-going Sambhal Jama Masjid survey dispute, passing an important order to the lower court. The apex court directed that no action should be taken in the matter for the time being. This decision comes even after the Muslim side expressed apprehensions over the ongoing survey and their rights to move a higher court against the ruling of the lower court. The Supreme Court, while hearing a petition filed by the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee, ruled that the matter should remain pending at the Supreme Court level. The court specifically directed that till the Allahabad High Court delivers its verdict, the district court should not take any step on the issue. It also held that the Muslim side had the right to appeal in a higher court against the order of the district court. The next date of hearing in the Supreme Court has been fixed for the second week of January. The Supreme Court also directed that the survey report of the Archaeological Survey of India be sealed, subject to further investigation. The Court observed that there were some objections to the judgment of the lower court and stressed the need for maintaining peace and order. It directed the district administration to liaise with the representatives of both parties to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation.

Already violence over the Jama Masjid survey in Sambhal had occurred with reports of stone-pelting and gunfire leaving four people dead. This violence due to tension related to surveying has added a new twist to the legal proceedings as it tries to calm down the situation while handling the matter properly as Supreme Court intervention aims for it.