Sambhal Violence: UP Government Submits Status Report in Supreme Court, Calls Masjid Committee’s Claims Misleading

Introduction

In a recent legal development, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has filed a status report in the Supreme Court countering the allegations made by the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee regarding the revival of an ancient well in Sambhal district. The state government has termed the claims as misleading and baseless, asserting that the well in question is located on public land and not within the premises of the mosque.

Background of the Case

The controversy began when the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee moved the Supreme Court with an application alleging that the UP government, under the guise of reviving ancient wells, was conducting Hindu religious rituals at a well situated inside the mosque. The committee claimed that these activities could incite communal unrest in the region.

Taking cognizance of the matter, the Supreme Court had earlier stayed all proceedings and directed the UP government to file a response clarifying its stance.

UP Government’s Status Report

In its detailed status report submitted to the apex court, the UP government refuted the allegations, stating that the disputed well, known as Dharani Varah Koop, is located on public land, not inside the mosque. The report emphasized that the well has no connection with the mosque or any religious site, and there is no access to it from inside the mosque premises.

“The subject well is situated near and not inside the disputed religious site, and as such, has no relation/connection with the mosque/disputed religious site. It is a public well and is not situated anywhere inside the mosque,” the report stated.

Furthermore, the UP government’s report highlighted that the disputed religious site itself is located on public land.

Formation of a Three-Member Committee

To verify the claims made in the application, the UP government constituted a three-member committee, which included:

• The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
• The Area Officer
• The Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, Sambhal

After examining official records, the committee confirmed that the well in question is indeed outside the disputed mosque. It also noted that another well, known locally as Yagna Koop, is situated within the boundary walls of the mosque but has not been interfered with.

Allegations of Misleading Information

The UP government has accused the Masjid Committee of presenting misleading evidence to the court. The report claims that the petitioners annexed photographs that falsely depict the well as being inside the mosque premises.

“In fact, it may be noted that the Petitioner herein has annexed misleading photographs attempting to show that the subject well is located inside its premises,” the report added.

UP Government’s Cultural Revival Plan

The UP government is undertaking a broad initiative to restore historically significant sites in Sambhal, including 19 ancient wells, one of which is Dharani Varah Koop. The objective of this initiative is to promote water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and ecological preservation, which will also enhance the region’s tourism potential.

According to the report, the petitioners’ attempt to halt the well’s revival is detrimental to both historical conservation and environmental sustainability.

“The subject well is part of the 19 wells that are being revived by the district administration for inter alia, rainwater harvesting, water recharge, and use by all communities. The revival of these ancient wells would also attract tourism to Sambhal as a culturally and historically significant region. Thus, the report says that the Petitioner's attempt to thwart the said revival process is illegal and detrimental to the ecological preservation and development of the region,” the report stated.

UP Government’s Demand for Dismissal

In light of the findings presented in its status report, the UP government has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the application filed by the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee.

Next Steps

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter tomorrow. The ruling in this case will be crucial in determining the future course of the UP government’s cultural restoration project and its legal standing in matters concerning religious sites and public property.

Conclusion

The UP government’s submission to the Supreme Court highlights the complexity of religious and historical site preservation in India. As the court prepares to deliberate on the matter, the case underscores the delicate balance between cultural conservation efforts and communal sensitivities. The final verdict will set a precedent for how such disputes are addressed in the future.