Sambhal court to hear Jama Masjid-Harihar temple case on March 5

File picture of devotees leaving after offering prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid amid tight security, in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh
| Photo Credit: PTI

A local court has fixed March 5 as the next date of hearing in a case connected to the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey at Chandausi.

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“The Supreme Court has directed all the lower courts not to entertain new suits seeking surveys of any place of worship until further orders. We have filed a copy of the said order in the court, which fixed March 5 as the next date of hearing,” Shakil Ahmad Wari, advocate representing the Muslim side, told reporters.

When told about the Hindu side’s claims that the mosque was built over an ancient Harihar temple, Mr. Wari said it is for the court to decide on the matter.

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“We will prove in the court that it was not a Harihar temple, but Jama Masjid. We have all the evidence,” he said.

Claiming that the other side has not filed any reply, Gopal Sharma, the lawyer representing the Hindu side, said, “We filed an application with the court demanding their opportunity to reply should now end. Now the matter will be heard on March 5.”

Tensions escalated in Sambhal since November 19, 2024, when a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid began following claims that a Harihar temple once stood on the site.

The situation turned violent on November 24 during the second survey when protesters clashed with security forces. The ensuing stone-pelting and arson left four persons dead and many others injured.