SC issues notice on Sambhal Jama Masjid Well dispute, orders status quo

The Supreme Court issued a notice on Friday regarding a plea from the Jama Masjid management committee in Sambhal, ordering status quo on a private well located near the mosque entrance. The court directed that no actions be taken regarding the well without prior approval from the court and instructed authorities to submit a status report within two weeks.

The plea challenged a November 19, 2024 order by the Senior Division Civil Judge of Sambhal, which permitted the appointment of an advocate commissioner for surveying the mosque. The committee argued that the survey led to violence and loss of life, necessitating urgent intervention from the Supreme Court.

Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the mosque committee, stressed the historical importance of the well, which has been used by the mosque for water for generations. He also raised concerns over a notice referring to the site as "Hari Mandir" and any plans for religious activities at the well, which the court stated must not be allowed.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, maintained that no action could be taken regarding the well without the court’s permission and ordered that the status quo remain. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, argued that the well is outside the mosque’s boundaries and has been used for worship. However, the mosque management clarified that the well is partly inside and partly outside the mosque premises, presenting a Google Maps image as evidence.

The plea filed by the mosque committee contested the local court's order, which had allowed the second survey of the mosque and led to violence. The committee requested the District Magistrate of Sambhal be instructed to maintain the status quo and not take any further actions without court approval.