In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court on March 12, 2025, directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete the whitewashing of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, within a week. The court further instructed the ASI to install adequate lighting around the mosque. The mosque committee has been directed to bear the expenses for the whitewashing and lighting installations.

Court's Directions to ASI

The single-judge bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal issued the order following a petition filed by the Jama Masjid Committee seeking permission to clean, paint, and decorate the mosque ahead of Ramadan. The court directed the ASI to complete the process within a week, ensuring that the mosque is properly maintained.

During the hearing, the ASI's lawyer was asked to clarify any objections regarding the whitewashing of the mosque’s outer wall. The court acknowledged that there were no legal restrictions on the cleaning and decoration of religious sites, citing previous Supreme Court rulings.

Why Was the Petition Filed?

The petition was filed after the mosque management committee sought official permission from ASI to clean and decorate the mosque. This request was made in light of the November 2024 communal violence in Sambhal, which led to heightened concerns over religious sites.

According to SFA Naqvi, counsel for the mosque committee, ASI had not provided any specific objections in its affidavit against the whitewashing, extra lighting, or installation of decorative lights. The petition included photographic evidence showing the mosque’s exterior in need of maintenance.

Concerns Over Communal Tensions

The Jama Masjid Committee emphasized that the mosque has been cleaned and decorated for centuries without any legal hurdles. However, after the November 24, 2024, communal clashes, there were concerns that carrying out the work without official permission might lead to further controversy.

Zafar Ali, President of the Jama Masjid Committee, stated that they chose to seek formal approval from ASI to avoid potential disputes. The committee cited previous Supreme Court decisions that affirm the right to maintain and decorate religious sites.

Final Decision and Implications

With the Allahabad High Court's ruling, the ASI is now legally bound to complete the whitewashing and install lighting at Jama Masjid within seven days. This decision is seen as an important step in addressing religious site maintenance while preventing potential controversies arising from communal sensitivities.

The ruling also sets a precedent for handling similar cases where religious institutions require maintenance under the jurisdiction of ASI. The mosque committee, in compliance with the order, will bear the financial costs for the whitewashing and lighting.

As the court’s directive is implemented, local authorities will ensure law and order is maintained during the renovation process.

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