SC halts actions on Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid well

January 10, 2025 13:53

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice on a plea by the Sambhal's Jama Masjid management committee, and ordered status quo with regard to a private well located near the entrance of the mosque.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar directed that no steps be taken regarding the well without its permission and instructed the authorities to file a status report within two weeks.

The plea filed by the Committee of Management of Shahi Jama Masjid challenged a November 19, 2024 order by the Sambhal Senior Division Civil Judge that allowed the appointment of an advocate commissioner to survey the mosque.

It was argued that the survey led to violence and loss of life, prompting the urgent intervention of the top court.

Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the Committee of Management, emphasised the historical significance of the well, stating, "We have been drawing water from the well since time immemorial."

Ahmadi raised concerns over a notice referring to the site as "Hari Mandir" and plans for starting religious activities there.

"No such activities will be permitted. Please file a status report," the CJI said.

The bench said the status quo must be maintained concerning the well, and no notices related to it would be given effect.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, said the well is outside the mosque's purview and has historically been used for worship.

Ahmadi said the well is partly within and partly outside the mosque premises, citing a Google Maps image to support the claim.

"Pass an appropriate direction to the District Magistrate, Sambhal to ensure that status quo is maintained with respect to the private well situated near the stairs/entrance of the Mosque and not to take any steps/actions with regard to the same without due permission from this Hon'ble Court," the plea said. -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

LIVE! Rahul Gandhi gest bail in Savarkar defamation case

Mistakes happen, I'm also a human: Modi in 1st podcast

The prime minister also advocates for good people to enter politics, stressing that they should come with a mission, not ambition.

After 30 yrs in jail for wife's murder, Swamy moves SC

Swamy Shraddananda, jailed for 30 years for killing his wife, has moved the Supreme Court seeking authorities to decide his mercy plea before the President in December, 2023.

Shocking! Class 3 girl dies of heart attack in school

The incident occurred in Zebar School for Children located in Thaltej area in the morning, following which the police launched a probe to know the exact reason behind her death, they said.

No tree felling in Mumbai's Aarey without our nod: SC

The Supreme Court of India has directed the tree authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to halt any further tree felling in Mumbai's Aarey colony without its permission. The order comes after the Mumbai Metro Rail...