The Allahabad High Court has instructed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to proceed with the cleaning of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, while holding back on permitting whitewashing of the mosque ahead of the upcoming Ramzan season. This decision was delivered by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal in response to a plea from the Committee of Management of Jama Masjid, which sought judicial permission for both whitewashing and cleaning operations.
The court’s directive followed an immediate inspection order issued on Thursday, requiring the ASI to evaluate the mosque’s condition. A team of three ASI officers was assigned to assess the site and report back by Friday morning. According to their findings, the interior of the mosque, currently finished with ceramic paint, does not require whitewashing at this time.
During Friday’s hearing, senior advocate S F A Naqvi, representing the mosque committee, clarified their request was limited to basic whitewashing and lighting enhancements. In light of the ASI’s assessment, the court directed the agency to focus on cleaning efforts, specifically the removal of dust and grass from the mosque’s premises.
