Sambhal Mosque In Good Condition, No Urgency For Repainting; Repair Work Has Altered Historic Structure: ASI To Allahabad HC

Following the Thursday directions of the Allahabad High Court, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) today submitted an inspection report stating that the Shahi Jama Mosque in Sambhal as a whole is in good condition, and there is no urgency of repainting. The ASI's report has however stated that the Masjid Committee has undertaken several works of repair and renovation in the mosque resulting into addition and alteration of the historic structure. "The floor of the monument has been completely replaced by tiles and stones. The interior of the mosque has been painted with thick layers of enamel paint of sharp colours like golden, red, green and yellow concealing the original surface of the monument" the report filed by a three-memebr committee has stated.The report adds that the at the west and north sides of the mosque, several small chambers exist which are used for storage by the mosque management and the same are in dilapidated condition, with ceilings supported by vulnerable wooden shingles. The ASI has also submitted to the Court that modern work/intervention that occurred in the mosque premises needs to be identified thoroughly by the Conservation and science wing of the ASI to bring the monument into its original fabric.Meanwhile, the ASI has stated in its report that detailed items of work would be identified and documented by the ASI Meerut Circle to prepare estimates so that urgent conservation and repair work may be undertaken.As far as day-to-day maintenance, such as cleaning, removal of dust and removal of vegetation growth in and around the monument, etc., are concerned, the ASI has informed the Court that it shall undertake the said work, provided the Masjid committee doesn't put any hindrance and cooperates ASI in doing the same.Taking into account the report of the ASI and on the mosque management committee's insistence that whitewashing is necessary and that the ASI report is incorrect, a bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal today granted the committee time until Tuesday to file its response or objections to the ASI report. In the meantime, the court has ordered the cleaning of the mosque premises, including the removal of dust and vegetation both inside and around the area.It may be noted that on Thursday, the HC asked the ASI to inspect the Sambhal's Shahi Jama Mosque to assess the need for whitewashing and maintenance/repair work (at the site) ahead of the Ramzan month.The order was passed on the application filed by the Management Committee of the mosque challenging the respondents' objections regarding the mosque's whitewashing work.Before the Court, Senior Counsel SFA Naqvi, representing the Management Committee, argued that the ASI was unnecessarily objecting to the whitewashing work despite the fact that it was the ASI's responsibility to carry out such work. In response, the ASI's counsel, Advocate Manoj Kumar Singh, stated that ASI officials were not being allowed access to the mosque premises by the committee officials.For context, the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal, moved the High Court following a response from the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) North Sambhal objecting to its proposal for maintenance work planned for the mosque ahead of the upcoming Ramzan.Essentially, the committee had earlier informed the concerned authorities about its intention to carry out essential maintenance work at the mosque in preparation for the holy month of Ramzan, beginning on March 1, 2025.The planned work includes whitewashing, cleansing, repairing, covering in areas, and installing additional lighting to ensure a smooth experience for devotees during the fasting month.The committee also requested the official authorities that no restrictions be placed on the traditional Azan (call to prayer) and maintenance activities, which they claim, are part of the mosque's regular upkeep.However, in a letter dated February 11, 2025, the ASP stated that since the Masjid is a protected monument, permission must be obtained from the Archaeological Survey of India by the Management Committee before any work could be carried out.Challenging this letter and reply, the Management Committee has moved the HC, stating that it has been undertaking similar maintenance activities (inter alia, cleaning, whitewashing, and installation of lights) during Ramzan month and other religious occasions in the past.It is the case of the committee that these works have always been carried out by them and not by the ASI, and there has been no interference from the authorities in the past many years.

Sambhal Mosque In Good Condition, No Urgency For Repainting; Repair Work Has Altered Historic Structure: ASI To Allahabad HC

Sparsh Upadhyay

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