What did the Supreme Court say in the case related to the well of Sambhal Jama Masjid complex?

What did the Supreme Court say in the case related to the well of Sambhal Jama Masjid complex?

Friday, January 10, 2025

The Supreme Court of India on Friday, January 10, 2025 ordered not to change the status of the well located in the Jama Masjid complex of Sambhal in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna was hearing the matter.

The Supreme Court bench was hearing a petition filed by the Masjid Committee, which said that the 'Sambhal District Administration' is running an alleged campaign to revive old temples and wells.

The Masjid Committee argued that the report indicates that at least 32 old temples have been revived in which no worship is done now or which are closed. At the same time, 19 such wells have also been identified which are being opened for public prayers / use.

The mosque committee has also said that the well of Sambhal mosque is also part of this list. Half of this well is in the mosque. Therefore, the committee has appealed to the court to direct that no action should be taken in the matter of this well without the order of the court.

The Supreme Court will hear the next case on 21 February 2025.

Senior advocate Huzaifa Ahmadi, representing the mosque committee, told the Supreme Court that in the notice of Sambhal Municipality, the mosque has been described as Hari Mandir and worship can be started in it soon. On this, the Supreme Court said that this will not be allowed, and the Supreme Court also asked to submit a status report in the matter.

However, the bench told Huzaifa Ahmadi that he would have to allow others to take water from the well. On this, Huzaifa Ahmadi expressed apprehension that the well could be dug.

In response to this, the CJI verbally said that this is not allowed.