On the night of November 19, a survey was conducted at Jama Masjid in Sambhal, following an order from the Civil Court of Sambhal. The court's directive was issued in response to a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, claiming that the mosque was originally the Hari Har Mandir, a Hindu temple, partially demolished in 1529 by Mughal ruler Babar. Jain argued that the site holds religious significance for Hindus and requested an Advocate Commissioner-led survey of the premises.
Court-ordered Survey at Jama Masjid Sambhal on petition filed by Supreme Court Advocate VIshnu Shankar Jain was conducted on 19th November (Image: Swarajya/X/Vishnu Shankar Jain)
The survey, overseen by the Advocate Commissioner, was carried out with security arrangements provided by the Sambhal district administration. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia confirmed the completion of the survey, noting that the Advocate Commissioner would submit the report to the court.
He said, “We ensured security for the survey. The Advocate Commissioner has completed the proceedings and will file a report in court. Any further action will be determined by the court.”
Petitioner Cites Temple Signs and Invokes Religious Prophecy
In his petition, Jain claimed that the site bore evidence of its Hindu origins. He pointed to carvings and symbols suggesting the existence of a Hindu temple. Additionally, he emphasized the religious importance of Sambhal in Hindu tradition, as it is believed to be the prophesied birthplace of Kalki Avatar, an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu, who is destined to appear at the end of Kaliyug.
In a post on X, he wrote, “Today the Hon’ble Civil Court Sambhal, on my petition, has directed a survey by the Advocate Commissioner in the alleged Jami Masjid in Sambhal, which was known as Hari Har Mandir. Babur partly demolished this place in 1529. It is believed that Kalki Avatar is to happen at Sambhal.”
Samajwadi Party MP Voices Opposition
Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq condemned the court's ruling, citing the Supreme Court's 1991 directive to uphold the religious status quo as it stood in 1947. Barq argued that the Jama Masjid, being a historical mosque, should continue to be acknowledged as such. He said, “This mosque has always been a mosque. Changing its status violates established law and disrupts communal harmony.”
Court to Review Findings
The court has directed that a comprehensive report, including photographic and video evidence of the site, be submitted. The court will review the findings on 29th November 2024 to determine the next steps. In the meantime, extra police personnel have been stationed in the area to maintain order.
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