Allahabad High Court Upholds Survey of Sambhal Mosque; Hindu Plaintiffs’ Suit Deemed Maintainable

On May 19, 2025, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the Mosque Committee’s challenge to a trial court’s order directing a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.  Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal upheld the November 19, 2024, directive appointing an Advocate Commissioner to conduct the survey, stating that the Hindu plaintiffs’ suit is prima facie maintainable. 

The suit, filed by eight Hindu plaintiffs including Mahant Rishiraj Giri, alleges that the mosque was constructed in 1526 after demolishing a pre-existing Harihar temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Kalki avatar.  The plaintiffs seek access to the mosque site, claiming it was originally a Hindu place of worship. 

The Mosque Committee contended that the trial court issued the survey order hastily without prior notice, with surveys conducted on November 19 and 24, 2024.  However, the High Court found no procedural irregularities warranting interference. 

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in its submission, noted that the mosque is a Centrally Protected Monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.  The ASI stated that official records do not describe the mosque as a religious place and that there is no historical or archaeological evidence supporting the term ‘Shahi Masjid.’ 

Previously, the Supreme Court had stayed trial court proceedings pending the High Court’s decision.  With the High Court’s ruling, the matter is expected to proceed further.