In a continuing legal dispute over the Shahi Jama Mosque in Sambhal, a district court has scheduled April 28 as the next hearing date for a plea alleging that the mosque was originally a Harihar Temple. The case, which has captured local attention, was brought before Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh on Wednesday.
The plea, asserting that the current mosque site was historically a temple, was initially filed on November 19, 2023. However, progress has been slow, partly due to procedural delays. During the latest session, it was revealed that the respondent, representing the mosque, had yet to submit their written statement, which was due at this hearing.
Gopal Sharma, an advocate for the Hindu side, expressed frustration over the delays. Speaking to the media, Sharma stated, “Today, the hearing took place in the court of Aditya Singh. The next date has been set for April 28. The mosque side’s lawyer was to file their written statement today, but they have not submitted it yet.” He also mentioned that they have requested the court to prevent any further delays by disallowing additional time for the mosque’s representatives to file their statement.
Contrarily, Zafar Ali, head of the Shahi Jama Masjid, provided a different perspective. He informed journalists, “There is a stay from the Supreme Court and High Court, therefore no hearing took place. The date of April 28 has been given.” This statement suggests ongoing higher court interventions that could affect how the district court proceeds.
