In a recent session, the Allahabad High Court questioned the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regarding the potential prejudice that could arise from whitewashing the outer walls of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal sought specific details from the ASI after the mosque committee raised concerns about the lack of a clear response to their request for permission to whitewash and light the mosque’s exterior.
The dispute centers around the mosque committee’s desire to maintain and beautify the exterior of the mosque, a request that has seemingly been met with ambiguity from the ASI, particularly with their focus remaining on the interior aspects of the mosque. Counsel for the mosque committee, S F A Naqvi, highlighted this focus as misaligned with the committee’s intentions, pointing out that their proposal strictly pertains to the mosque’s exterior.
During the proceedings, the court directed the Sambhal district magistrate to present the original 1927 agreement between the local administration and the mosque committee, which transferred the mosque’s management to the ASI. This historical document is expected to provide clarity on the scope of responsibilities and rights of the ASI concerning the mosque’s maintenance.
Additionally, the ASI had previously reported on February 28 that the mosque’s interior had been painted with ceramic color, negating the need for any immediate interior whitewashing. In response, Naqvi reiterated the committee’s request was solely for exterior improvements.
Justice Agarwal has scheduled the next hearing for March 12, where further discussions will take place. In the meantime, he has instructed the ASI to address cleanliness issues by clearing dust and overgrown grass on the mosque’s premises.
