Security measures in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, entered their sixth day on Saturday following violence triggered by a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The tension began on November 24 when a stone-pelting incident resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries, including police officials and locals.
A delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP) is expected to visit the district amid the unrest.
In response to the violence, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel constituted a three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission, led by Justice Devendra Kumar Arora (Retired) of the Allahabad High Court, to investigate the incident.
On Friday, the Supreme Court addressed the matter, urging the state to ensure “harmony and peace” in Sambhal. The court directed the trial court not to proceed with the case against the mosque until the High Court hears the Masjid Committee’s petition challenging the survey order.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, instructed that the survey report by the court commissioner be sealed. The bench emphasized neutrality, stating, “Peace and harmony have to be maintained. We don’t want anything to happen… We have to be absolutely, totally neutral and ensure nothing wrong is done.”
The Jama Masjid Committee approached the apex court directly, citing “extraordinary circumstances” to challenge the November 19 survey order by a local court. The civil judge had directed the commissioner to conduct the survey based on claims that the mosque site was previously a Harihar temple.
Tensions escalated as locals opposed the survey, resulting in violent clashes with law enforcement. Authorities remain vigilant as the situation continues to develop.