The Supreme Court of India intervened in the ongoing dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, urging the need to maintain peace and harmony. The court stopped the trial court from taking further action and set the next hearing for January 6, 2025. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, directed the district administration to form peace committees. It also advised all parties to exercise restraint.
The Shahi Jama Masjid Committee filed a petition against a lower court’s order from November 19, which instructed a survey of the mosque. The Committee raised concerns that the survey could heighten tensions and disturb communal peace. The Supreme Court did not halt the survey but ordered the report to be submitted in a sealed envelope to ensure transparency.
CJI Sanjiv Khanna stressed the importance of peace. He said, “Peace and harmony must be maintained at all costs.” He urged the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure calm in Sambhal and advised the trial court to avoid further action until the High Court resolves the issue.
Tensions flared in Sambhal on November 24 during the survey, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and the tragic deaths of four people. Several others, including police officers, were injured. In response, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel set up a judicial inquiry led by retired Justice Devendra Kumar Arora. The commission will investigate whether the violence was planned and assess the district’s response. The panel has two months to submit its findings unless extended.
To ensure peace, heavy police forces were deployed in Sambhal and Moradabad division, especially during Friday prayers. Local Muslim leaders have been meeting to promote calm, and the city Qazi urged residents to pray in their local mosques to maintain harmony.
As the Supreme Court hears the case, authorities and residents hope for a resolution that will restore normalcy and preserve communal peace.
