Sambhal Case: Supreme Court Suspends Trial Court Proceedings Awaiting High Court’s Decision

On Friday, the Supreme Court directed the trial court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal to pause proceedings in the mosque survey case until the Shahi Idgah committee of Jama Masjid approaches the High Court. This order follows recent violence in Sambhal, where five people lost their lives during a court-ordered mosque survey. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar also instructed that the survey report, prepared by the commissioner, be sealed and remain unopened until further notice.

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Sambhal Case : Supreme Court Halts Mosque Survey in Sambhal

The Supreme Court’s directive was issued in response to a petition by the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee, contesting the trial court’s order to conduct a survey of the mosque. The trial court’s decision was based on claims that the mosque, allegedly built by Mughal emperor Babar in 1526, was constructed after demolishing a temple. The Supreme Court instructed that the mosque committee’s petition be listed before the High Court within three working days. Meanwhile, the top court kept the committee’s plea pending and scheduled it for hearing in the week commencing January 6, 2025.

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Supreme Court Cautions Against Public Disorder

Appearing for the mosque committee, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi told the top court that the trial court order was capable of causing “great public mischief”. “Ten suits are pending across the length and breadth of the country… the modus operandi is on the first day only, the surveyor is appointed,” he said. The Supreme Court asked the trial court to not take any steps till January 8 while asking the district administration to ensure peace and harmony. “We do not want anything to happen. See Section 43 of the mediation act the district should form mediation committees. We have to be absolutely neutral,” the court further said.

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