In compliance with the Allahabad High Court's directions issued on Thursday, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted its inspection report today, stating that the Shahi Jama Mosque in Sambhal does not need whitewashing before Ramadan/Ramzan.

The report noted that the mosque is entirely covered with enamel paint, which remains in good condition.

Responding to the mosque management committee's assertion that whitewashing is necessary and its claim that the ASI report is incorrect, a bench led by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal granted the committee time until Tuesday to submit its response or objections to the ASI report.

Meanwhile, the court has directed the cleaning of the mosque premises, including the removal of dust and vegetation from both the interior and surrounding areas. Notably, on Thursday, the High Court had instructed the ASI to inspect the Shahi Jama Mosque in Sambhal to determine the necessity of whitewashing and any maintenance or repair work ahead of Ramadan/Ramzan.

The order was issued in response to an application filed by the mosque's Management Committee, which had challenged the objections raised by the respondents regarding the whitewashing work.

Before the Court, Senior Counsel SFA Naqvi, appearing for the Management Committee, contended that the ASI was unnecessarily opposing the whitewashing work, despite it being the ASI's responsibility to undertake such maintenance. In response, ASI’s counsel, Advocate Manoj Kumar Singh, argued that ASI officials were not being granted access to the mosque premises by the committee officials.

For context, the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal, approached the High Court after the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) North Sambhal objected to its proposal for maintenance work ahead of the upcoming Ramadan/Ramzan. The committee had earlier informed the concerned authorities about its plan to carry out essential maintenance at the mosque in preparation for the holy month, which begins on March 1, 2025.

The proposed work includes whitewashing, cleaning, repairs, covering certain areas, and installing additional lighting to facilitate a smooth experience for devotees during fasting.  

Additionally, the committee requested that no restrictions be placed on the traditional Azan (call to prayer) and maintenance activities, which they assert are part of the mosque's routine upkeep. However, in a letter dated February 11, 2025, the ASP stated that, as the mosque is a protected monument, the Management Committee must obtain permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) before proceeding with any work.  

Challenging this directive, the committee moved the High Court, arguing that it has historically undertaken similar maintenance activities—including cleaning, whitewashing, and installing lights—during Ramadan/Ramzan and other religious occasions without interference from the authorities. The committee maintains that these works have always been carried out by them and not by the ASI.