The controversy surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district has sparked national debate, with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati urging both the government and the Supreme Court to intervene. The issue has escalated rapidly following a court-ordered survey of the mosque, conducted amid claims that it was built by demolishing a historic temple.
Mayawati, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, addressed the matter on Friday through a post on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). “The news of the sudden controversy, hearing, and then the hasty survey regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district of UP is dominating national discussion and media headlines,” she remarked. She went on to call for action, stating, “The government and the honourable Supreme Court must also take cognizance of this matter, as it risks spoiling harmony and disrupting the atmosphere.”
Court-Ordered Survey Sparks Debate
On Tuesday, the Civil Judge (Senior Division) of Sambhal directed the formation of an ‘Advocate Commission’ to conduct a detailed survey of the Jama Masjid. The court instructed the commission to carry out videography and photography of the site and submit a report on its findings. This directive has reignited tensions, with some claiming the mosque stands on the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, the petitioner in the case, argued that the Shahi Jama Masjid had been constructed by demolishing the Harihar Temple, a sacred site tied to Hindu beliefs. “The Harihar Temple in Sambhal is a centre of our faith. According to our religious texts, Kalki, the tenth avatar of Vishnu, is to be born here. In 1529, Babar attempted to destroy the temple and convert it into a mosque,” Jain claimed. He further emphasised that the site is protected under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and should not be encroached upon.
Preservation of Harmony
Mayawati’s remarks reflect concerns over the potential for communal discord stemming from such disputes. The BSP leader warned that actions which threaten the state’s harmony could have far-reaching consequences. “The deliberate creation of controversies around religious sites must be handled sensitively,” she said, urging authorities to act responsibly in order to maintain peace.
The controversy has gained widespread attention, drawing comparisons to previous cases involving religious structures, such as the Ayodhya dispute, which was resolved by the Supreme Court in 2019 after decades of legal battles and social unrest.
Archaeological and Religious Claims
The involvement of the Archaeological Survey of India adds another layer of complexity to the Sambhal mosque case. The ASI, responsible for preserving India’s cultural heritage, is yet to provide an official statement regarding the allegations of encroachment. Legal experts and historians suggest that detailed evidence and a thorough investigation will be necessary to substantiate the claims about the temple-mosque connection.
Meanwhile, local religious leaders and activists have expressed opposing views. While some support the court-ordered survey as a step towards reclaiming heritage, others view it as an unnecessary provocation that could disrupt communal harmony in the region.
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A Call for Judicial Oversight
Mayawati’s appeal to the Supreme Court underscores the need for judicial oversight in cases of religious and historical sensitivity. She urged the court to ensure that such matters are handled with care, to prevent further polarisation within the society.
The BJP-led state government has not yet issued a formal response to Mayawati’s remarks or the court’s directive for the survey. However, opposition leaders have criticised the ruling party for what they perceive as a lack of action to defuse communal tensions.
Moving Forward
The outcome of the survey, along with the report submitted to the Sambhal court, will likely play a pivotal role in determining the future course of the dispute. Legal analysts predict that the case could escalate to higher courts, depending on the findings and subsequent challenges.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders are urging restraint and a focus on peaceful resolution. The Shahi Jama Masjid case has once again highlighted the delicate balance required to navigate India’s complex interplay of religion, history, and law. Whether the judiciary and government can address these challenges without exacerbating tensions remains to be seen.
