Allahabad High Court tells ASI to whitewash Sambhal Masjid for Ramzan, mosque to bear expense

The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out whitewashing work for the exterior of the controversial Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal within a week, adding that the mosque committee should reimburse expenses for such work. .The ASI had earlier told the Court that there was no need for such whitewashing since the entire structure is coated with enamel paint and in good condition.Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, however, opined that the ASI had not given any suitable reply to prevent such whitewashing work for the exterior facade of the mosque. "This Court directs the ASI to carry out the whitewashing work in all those parts of the monuments, in which, flaking is seen and whitewashing is required," it proceeded to order. The Court has directed the ASI to complete the whitewashing work within a week. The Court added that the masjid committee should bear the expenses for the whitewashing. "The expenditure incurred in the whitewashing shall be borne by the Masjid Committee, and the same shall be reimbursed within one week after the completion of whitewashing work," it said. .It further clarified that no additional lighting should be installed on the walls to prevent damage to the monument. However, exterior illumination using focus lights or LED lights may be used to light up the outer area of the structure, the Court said..The Shahi Jama Masjid has been at the centre of controversy after violence broke out in Sambhal following a civil court order allowing the conduct of a survey of the mosque.The civil court had issued the direction in a suit filed by advocate Hari Shankar Jain and seven others who claimed that the mosque was constructed over a demolished temple during the Mughal era.The civil court proceedings are presently on hold as the Supreme Court has passed an order directing courts across India not to pass any effective orders in suits disputing the religious character of structures, while it decides on the validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991..Meanwhile, the management committee of Shahi Jama Masjid approached the Allahabad High Court with a plea to carry out maintenance work at the mosque. This was after the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), North Sambhal raised an objection to maintenance work at the mosque ahead of Ramzan.The committee had earlier informed the authorities about its plans to undertake essential upkeep, including whitewashing, cleaning, repairs, and installation of additional lighting to facilitate a smooth experience for devotees during Ramzan, which began on March 1, 2025.Additionally, the committee requested that there be no restrictions on the traditional Azan (call to prayer) or maintenance activities, which it considers part of the mosque’s regular upkeep.In a February 11 letter, the ASP stated that since the masjid is a protected monument, the committee must obtain permission from the ASI before carrying out any work.Challenging this requirement, the mosque committee moved the High Court, arguing that it has consistently undertaken similar maintenance work—such as cleaning, whitewashing, and installing lights—during Ramzan and other religious occasions in previous years without any interference from the authorities..During an earlier hearing of the matter, the High Court directed the ASI to inspect the mosque to determine the necessity of whitewashing, decorative arrangements and repair of the mosque ahead of Ramzan.The ASI responded by informing the Court that the mosque did not require whitewashing as it was still in good condition.On March 12, however, the Court noted that the ASI had not given a satisfactory response to whether whitewashing was needed in exterior parts of the mosque, which were referred to in annexures submitted by the masjid committee.It proceeded to direct the ASI to carry out whitewashing work for these parts of the structure. .Senior Advocate Syed Ahmed Faizan and Advocate Zaheer Asghar appeared for the mosque committee. Additional Solicitor General of India Sanjay Kumar Singh, Central Standing Counsel Kumar Ravi Singh, along with Advocates Manoj Kumar Singh and Prabhash Pandey, appeared for the opposite parties. .[Read Order]