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Supreme Court reserves judgment on Sambhal mosque survey dispute
The Supreme Court of India has reserved its judgment on a petition filed by the Sambhal Jama Masjid Committee. The committee is challenging an order that allows an advocate commissioner to survey the mosque premises in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district.
The dispute stems from a civil suit filed by Hindu plaintiffs who claim the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing temple, specifically an alleged Harihar temple, during the 16th century. The plaintiffs are seeking rights to perform religious ceremonies at the site.
The mosque committee has contested the maintainability of the suit and the legality of the survey order. The matter reached the apex court after the Allahabad High Court upheld a trial court's decision to permit the survey and declined to stay the proceedings. The Supreme Court had previously directed all parties to maintain the status quo at the site.
The case involves significant legal questions regarding the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which prohibits the conversion of the religious character of a place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. While the mosque committee argues the suit is barred by the Act, the Hindu plaintiffs contend the dispute falls outside its scope.
Entities
Allahabad High Court · Sambhal · Sambhal Jama Masjid Committee · Supreme Court of India · Uttar Pradesh
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Supreme Court had earlier directed the parties to maintain the status quo at the disputed site. www.socialnews.xyz · yespunjab.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A Supreme Court bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe reserved its judgment on the plea. www.livelaw.in · www.socialnews.xyz · yespunjab.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Allahabad High Court previously upheld the trial court's order to permit the survey. www.livelaw.in · www.socialnews.xyz · yespunjab.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj stated the State of Uttar Pradesh does not wish to enter the merits of the dispute while the main suit is pending. www.livelaw.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hindu plaintiffs claim the mosque was built over a pre-existing temple structure, specifically an alleged Harihar temple. www.socialnews.xyz · yespunjab.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The mosque committee filed a plea challenging the order to appoint an advocate commissioner to survey the mosque premises. www.livelaw.in · www.socialnews.xyz · yespunjab.com