Allahabad HC Clears Path For ASI Survey Of Sambhal's Jama Masjid, Dismisses Mosque Panel's Plea

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Monday refused to halt the archaeological survey of Sambhal's Jama Masjid, dismissing a revision petition filed by the mosque management committee. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal ruled that all actions taken so far in the case were legally valid, allowing both the ASI survey and the title suit in the local court to continue.

The dispute centers on Hindu petitioners' claims that the mosque stands on the site of a 16th-century Harihar temple allegedly demolished by Babur's forces. The ASI's 45-page interim report, submitted on January 2, 2025, cited floral motifs, Hindu religious symbols, and two sacred banyan trees as potential evidence.

The court noted that the November 24, 2024 survey-related violence, which left four dead - didn't invalidate the judicial process.

The order permits the lower court to examine the ASI's findings, including 1,200 photographs and 4.5 hours of videography showing alleged temple remnants.