The committee had argued before the court that the well was part of the mosque’s property, presenting photographs as evidence
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The ongoing controversy surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal has taken a fresh turn, with the Uttar Pradesh government firmly rejecting claims made by the mosque committee over a nearby well. The state authorities have declared that both the well and the mosque itself stand on public land, dismissing the committee’s assertion that the well falls within the mosque’s boundaries.
The dispute, which has been simmering for months, has kept the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in the headlines. From allegations of a temple existing beneath the mosque to debates over its exterior painting, the site has been no stranger to contention. Now, the focus has shifted to a well located near the mosque, with the matter reaching the Supreme Court for resolution.
The mosque committee had argued before the court that the well was part of the mosque’s property, presenting photographs as evidence. “The well is clearly inside the mosque’s land,” a committee member stated during the hearing. “These pictures prove it belongs to us, and no one else should have the right to use it for worship or festivals.”
However, the UP government has strongly contested this claim. In its response, the state asserted, “This well is on public land, and so is the Shahi Jama Masjid itself. The well is near the mosque, not inside it. The committee has tried to mislead the court with inaccurate pictures.” The government’s stance has effectively nullified the committee’s claim, insisting that the well holds no connection to the mosque’s premises.
Adding weight to the government’s position, a court-ordered excavation of the well was conducted earlier this year under Supreme Court supervision. Following the survey, the court imposed a ban on any worship or activities at the site, effective from 10 January 2025. “The excavation made it clear that this is a public space,” said a government official involved in the case. “No private ownership can be claimed here.”
The Shahi Jama Masjid committee, however, remains defiant. “We have historical ties to this land,” said a spokesperson for the committee. “The government’s decision ignores our rights and the evidence we’ve provided. This is about more than just a well — it’s about our heritage.”
The controversy has reignited tensions in Sambhal, a town no stranger to religious disputes. Locals are divided, with some supporting the mosque committee’s claims and others backing the government’s findings. “This well has been here for generations,” said Mohammad Asif, a shopkeeper near the mosque. “It’s unfair to take it away from the community.” Meanwhile, others argue that public land should remain neutral. “If it’s public, it’s for everyone — not just one group,” countered Anil Kumar, a local trader.
