Supreme Court Orders Halt on Sambhal Mosque Survey Amid Peace and Harmony Concerns

Sambhal Mosque Survey: In a major development today, the Supreme Court directed the management committee of the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Sambhal to approach the Allahabad High Court to challenge a trial court's order that mandated a survey of the mosque. The trial court had issued the order following claims by Hindu petitioners who argued that a temple once stood at the site of the mosque.

The Supreme Court said that the situation requires peace and harmony in this ongoing dispute and ordered any further steps by the trial court to be put on hold till the Allahabad High Court has a chance to look at the case.

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna clearly stated that the court would remain neutral and ensure nothing untoward happens during this period. "Peace and harmony must be ensured. We will keep this pending. We do not want anything to happen. We have to be absolutely neutral and ensure that nothing untoward happens," he said.
The Supreme Court made it clear that the January 8 hearing in the trial court would not take place until the High Court addresses the issue.