Court permits ASI to whitewash Sambhal mosque amid legal dispute
What's the story
The Allahabad High Court has allowed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to whitewash the exterior of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, and decorate it with lights.
The court directed that this work be completed within a week.
The court also emphasized that these activities should not alter any existing structures or features of the mosque.
Renovation details
Court's directive for mosque renovation
The next hearing in the case is on April 8, 2025.
The mosque is currently mired in a legal battle with Hindu petitioners who claim it was constructed over an existing Hindu temple called Hari Mandir.
Last year, violence broke out in Sambhal following a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid, killing at least four people and injuring several others.
Security preparations
Security measures intensified ahead of Holi celebrations
Keeping the sensitive subject in mind, Security around the Sambhal mosque has been increased ahead of the upcoming Holi celebrations.
District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia said 27 quick response teams have been constituted, and magistrates and police officers have been deployed in six zones and 29 sectors.
"SHOs of every police station and all magistrates have been asked to patrol the hotspots. PAC battalions have been deployed for three-tier security as before," he said.