Sambhal Mosque Dispute: ASI Claims Committee Altered Heritage Site, Filed Complaints

Sambhal Mosque Dispute: The Archaeological Survey of India, or ASI, in a recent affidavit filed in a Sambhal court, has levied grave charges against the local mosque committee. According to the affidavit, the members of the committee have been blocking the way for ASI officials, who were attempting to inspect the Jama Masjid-a protected monument under the regulations of ASI since 1920. According to the ASI, the committee had thwarted repeated attempts at inspection.

The affidavit of the ASI reflects the problems it faces whenever its team attempts to inspect the mosque. It has become almost impossible for the officers of the committee to assess the condition of the monument and ensure its preservation because of the interference by the committee.

The ASI inspection, in June 2024, had detected significant alterations in the structure of the protected monument, as decided by the mosque committee. As this is in direct conflict with heritage conservation rules, the ASI claimed that such a change in the mosque's physical structure was made without the proper permission from the agency. So, it issued complaints to the local police and also issued a show-cause notice to the mosque committee.

Despite all these problems, the ASI continues to work in collaboration with the district administration to carry out inspections as often as possible. The current controversy has increased tension between the ASI and the mosque committee, and it is currently in court at Sambhal.