Sambhal Dispute: Supreme Court Intervenes on Controversial Well Outside Mosque
Sambhal Dispute: Supreme Court Intervenes on Controversial Well Outside Mosque
.jpg)
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India directed the Sambhal Nagar Palika in Uttar Pradesh not to act on its notice concerning a well situated outside the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. This direction, issued on Friday, aims to ensure the maintenance of peace and status quo in the area.
SC Stresses on Maintaining Harmony
A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, asking it to submit a status report within two weeks. This was in response to an application filed by the Committee of Management of Shahi Jama Masjid, which raised concerns over the potential misuse of the well for purposes other than its original intent.
Mosque Committee’s Appeal
The committee requested the District Magistrate to maintain the status quo concerning the private well located near the mosque’s entrance. Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the mosque committee, highlighted concerns over the use of the well for activities such as religious rituals.
The committee fears that the drive to revive historical wells and temples in Sambhal, led by the District Administration, could lead to communal tensions.
Supreme Court’s Observations
During the hearing, the CJI remarked,
"There is no harm if someone uses the well from outside. You have covered the well; let them use it."
While advocating for peaceful coexistence, the CJI questioned why permitting others to use the well posed an issue. Ahmadi countered, stating the notice referred to the well as part of the "Hari Mandir," raising concerns about its potential use for pooja and bathing rituals.
The Uttar Pradesh Government’s Stand
The Uttar Pradesh government claimed the situation in Sambhal was peaceful and accused some groups of attempting to create unnecessary disputes.
Concerns Over Religious Revival Drive
The mosque committee alleged that the District Administration was conducting a drive to revive old temples and wells, identifying 19 wells for public use and at least 32 old temples for restoration. The committee stated that such actions, if not handled sensitively, could disturb the fragile harmony in the area.
Posters allegedly showcasing the well’s location and linking it to religious significance have only heightened tensions.
The Historical Context
The dispute originates from claims that the site of the mosque was previously a Harihar Temple, dedicated to Kalki, the final avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to a petition filed in a local court, the temple was demolished in 1526 to construct the Jama Masjid.
In November 2024, following the local court's order for a survey of the mosque, tensions escalated in Sambhal. The situation turned violent, resulting in clashes between locals and police, with four fatalities reported.
Supreme Court’s Previous Interventions
In November 2024, the Supreme Court stayed the trial court proceedings and directed the matter not be heard until the mosque committee's petition against the survey order was taken up by the Allahabad High Court.
Current Scenario and Implications
The mosque committee has raised legal objections and expressed apprehensions that opening the well for public Hindu prayers could lead to disturbances. The District Magistrate maintained that the well is not inside the mosque premises, though the committee disputes this claim.
The apex court’s intervention highlights the delicate balance between respecting historical claims and ensuring communal harmony in a sensitive area like Sambhal.
Conclusion
The Sambhal dispute underscores the importance of a measured and peaceful approach to addressing historical grievances and religious sensitivities. The Supreme Court’s directive to maintain status quo aims to prevent further escalation and preserve the fragile peace in the region.
This case serves as a reminder of the delicate interplay between religion, history, and law in India’s socio-cultural landscape.
Comments
Post a Comment