In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to undertake the painting and illumination of the historic Jama Masjid in Sambhal during the holy month of Ramadan.
The court has given ASI a strict deadline of one week to complete the restoration work.
The decision came during a hearing on Wednesday, following a petition that sought renovation and upkeep of the mosque premises.
Earlier, on March 11, the court had deferred the matter to March 12 after ASI submitted an inspection report.
The report stated that while the mosque did not require repainting, the premises had accumulated dirt and overgrown bushes. ASI also provided photographic evidence supporting its assessment.
In response, the court had earlier ordered ASI to carry out a thorough cleaning of the mosque, including the removal of wild vegetation. Both the Muslim and Hindu sides were given time to file their objections and affidavits regarding the ASI report. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court had initially reserved its judgment until March 12.
However, in the proceedings on Wednesday, the court ruled in favour of the petitioners, allowing the mosque to be repainted and illuminated for Ramadan.
The issue of the Jama Masjid’s maintenance has been a contentious one, particularly since November 24, 2024, when a survey of the mosque triggered communal tensions and unrest in the area. Since then, additional police forces have been deployed around the site, with security personnel maintaining a close watch to prevent any disturbances. The court’s decision is expected to alleviate local concerns and ensure that the religious site is well-maintained ahead of the sacred month of Ramadan.
Meanwhile, the district administration in Sambhal has taken significant security measures for the upcoming Holi celebrations.
Given past incidents of communal tension, authorities have decided to cover mosques located along the route of the Chaupai (religious procession) with tarpaulin sheets to avoid any controversy.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shachandra, a total of 10 mosques, including the Jama Masjid, will be temporarily covered with plastic sheets or tarpaulin in consultation with both Hindu and Muslim community leaders.
The decision has been taken with mutual consent to maintain communal harmony during the festivities.
Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia stated that extensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure peace during the celebrations.
He highlighted that multiple rounds of peace committee meetings have been held, and 27 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed in sensitive areas.
The district administration has divided the city into six zones and 29 sectors, with magistrates and senior police officers assigned to each section.
Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) battalions have been stationed in key areas as part of a three-tier security plan. To enhance surveillance, 250 CCTV cameras have already been installed, with an additional 100-150 cameras set up for real-time monitoring. Drone surveillance will also be conducted to maintain law and order during the festival. Authorities have instructed sector magistrates to patrol their designated areas actively and report any suspicious activities. “At present, the situation remains completely peaceful. We have made elaborate security arrangements, and law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to handle any situation,” said DM Pensia.
With these measures in place, the administration hopes to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration of Holi while maintaining communal harmony in Sambhal.
