Supreme Court Halts Mosque Survey Amid Rising Tensions in Sambhal, Calls for Peace Efforts

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court intervened on Friday, halting the proceedings related to the contentious survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following violent clashes and unrest in the region. This decision comes after a November 19 court order authorized the survey, which stemmed from claims that the mosque was constructed by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526, allegedly after demolishing a Hindu temple.

The apex court’s ruling also directs the Uttar Pradesh government to take immediate steps to maintain peace and harmony in the area. The unrest in Sambhal, which began on November 24, escalated with clashes near the mosque leading to stone-pelting, arson, and the tragic deaths of four people. The violence prompted the suspension of internet services and the enforcement of prohibitory orders in the district. However, by Friday afternoon, internet services were restored, and authorities confirmed that Friday prayers were conducted peacefully.

The Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, further ordered that the survey report prepared by the court-appointed commissioner remain sealed until the Allahabad High Court or another appropriate forum hears the mosque committee’s appeal. In addition, the court recommended forming a peace committee with members from both communities to facilitate dialogue and prevent further unrest.

Key developments in the Sambhal mosque issue include:

• Supreme Court Intervention: The apex court temporarily halted all proceedings related to the mosque survey and instructed the matter to be addressed by the Allahabad High Court within three working days.
• Sealed Survey Report: The court ordered that the survey report be kept sealed until further orders from the appellate court.
• Restoration of Internet Services: After several days of disruption, internet services were restored on Friday, helping to ease tensions in the region.
• Peaceful Friday Prayers: Authorities ensured that Friday prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid and other mosques were held peacefully, with heightened police presence and additional surveillance measures in place.
• Tensions Over Survey: The controversy surrounding the mosque began after a civil court ordered the survey following claims from a Hindu group that the mosque was built over a demolished temple.
• November 24 Violence: Clashes between protesters and security forces near the mosque resulted in significant violence, with four deaths and several injuries.
• Peace Efforts: The Supreme Court called on the Uttar Pradesh government to establish a peace committee to mediate between the communities and prevent further conflict.
• Appeal by Mosque Committee: The Shahi Jama Masjid Committee challenged the survey order in the Supreme Court, citing concerns about potential communal unrest.
• State Government’s Assurance: The Uttar Pradesh government, represented by Additional Solicitor General, assured the Supreme Court that measures would be taken to maintain law and order in the state.
• Political Visits: A Samajwadi Party delegation will visit Sambhal on Saturday, followed by a Congress visit on December 2, to assess the situation and report back to their party leadership.

As the situation remains tense, authorities continue to work toward restoring calm, with the Supreme Court’s intervention providing a crucial step in de-escalating the unrest.