The Supreme Court today (April 1) declined to intervene in the Allahabad High Court's order directing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to whitewash the exterior walls of the Sambhal Jama Mosque.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, was hearing a challenge to the High Court's decision regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid at Chandausi (Sambhal district).

The mosque is at the center of a legal dispute, with a suit filed alleging that the mosque was constructed over a Hindu temple.

Advocate Barun Sinha, representing petitioner Satish Kumar Aggarwal, argued that the High Court erred in instructing the ASI to carry out the whitewashing of the mosque's exterior.

The Supreme Court, however, dismissed the petition, stating, "We are not inclined to entertain the present petition. Dismissed."

In its March ruling, the Allahabad High Court had directed the ASI to whitewash the Sambhal Jama Masjid within a week, as per an agreement made in 1927 between the mosque's management committee and the ASI. The whitewashing was to be carried out on the necessary parts of the mosque's exterior. Additionally, the court ordered the mosque committee to reimburse the ASI for the costs of the whitewashing within one week of its completion. The mosque committee had requested permission to clean and whitewash the mosque before the onset of the Ramzan month.

It is important to note that the Supreme Court is also hearing a petition filed by the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Committee, challenging a trial court's order issued on November 19, 2024. This order had appointed an Advocate Commissioner to survey the mosque in relation to a suit claiming that the Mughal-era structure was built after the destruction of an ancient temple.

Case Details:
Satish Kumar Aggarwal vs. Committee of Management, Jami Masjid Sambhal & Ors.