Tensions Rise Ahead of Masjid-Temple Hearing in Sambhal
Court schedules Aug 28 for explosive dispute hearing.
A Chandausi court on Thursday set August 28 as the next hearing date for the contentious Shahi Jama Masjid-Harihar temple dispute, escalating tensions in Uttar Pradesh. The case, presided over by Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh, saw the Muslim side challenge the court’s jurisdiction, citing a pending Supreme Court case on the matter.
Advocate Shri Shri Gopal Sharma, representing the Hindu petitioners, confirmed that the opposing side filed an application arguing the local court lacks authority while the Supreme Court’s decision is awaited. Qasim Jamal, advocate for the Shahi Jama Masjid, emphasized that Supreme Court guidelines prohibit lower courts from hearing religious disputes during this period, warning that proceeding would violate judicial directives. The court directed all objections to be submitted by August 28.
The dispute traces back to November 19, 2024, when Hindu petitioners, including advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain, claimed the mosque was built over a pre-existing temple, filing a suit in Sambhal’s district court. Court-ordered surveys on November 19 and 24 sparked violent clashes, resulting in four deaths and injuries to 29 police personnel. Authorities filed cases against SP MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, mosque committee head Zafar Ali, and 2,750 unidentified individuals linked to the unrest.
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The Allahabad High Court had earlier, on May 19, upheld the trial court’s survey order, directing it to proceed. As the August 28 hearing looms, the case continues to fuel debate over historical claims and religious sensitivities in Sambhal.
