The lawyer for the central agency says last year’s work remains intact and any decision must follow Supreme Court directions amid continuing title dispute
SAMBHAL — The Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal has once again come into focus, this time over permission for whitewashing and basic decoration during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The mosque committee has written to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), seeking approval to carry out painting, cleaning and minor decorative work. The mosque is a protected monument under the ASI.
Jafar Ali, president of the Shahi Jama Masjid committee, sent a letter by post to the Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI in Meerut. In the letter, he referred to the fact that similar whitewashing and decorative work had been carried out last year during Ramadan with ASI’s involvement.
“In view of the holy month of Ramadan, cleaning and whitewashing are necessary. We hope permission will be granted as it was last year,” Jafar Ali said.
Members of the committee said routine maintenance in Ramadan is part of a long-standing practice, as the number of worshippers increases during the month.
However, the ASI has taken a cautious stand. Vishnu Sharma, counsel for the ASI, said there was no immediate need for fresh painting.
“The whitewashing carried out last year is still in good condition. At present, there is no requirement,” he said.
He added that the matter relating to the mosque’s status is pending before the Supreme Court, and any decision regarding structural or maintenance work would have to follow court directions.
For now, officials indicated that further administrative steps would depend on legal advice and the outcome of court proceedings.
The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal is believed to have been constructed during the Mughal period, around 1526–1529, and is listed as a protected monument by the ASI.
A section of Hindu petitioners claims that the mosque was built after demolishing a pre-existing Harihar temple during the reign of Babur. Advocate Harishankar Jain and others have approached the court, seeking access to the site, permission for worship and restoration of what they describe as an original temple.
On the other hand, the mosque committee and local Muslim residents strongly reject these claims.
“This is a centuries-old mosque where prayers have been offered continuously. Its religious character is clear and documented,” a committee member said.
The Muslim side has also referred to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which maintains that the religious character of a place of worship as it existed on 15 August 1947 cannot be changed.
At present, the immediate issue concerns permission for whitewashing and routine upkeep during Ramadan. The final decision is expected to depend on ASI approval and directions from the Supreme Court.
