Supreme Court Extends Status Quo On Suit Against Sambhal Jama Masjid
|The Supreme Court directed its Registry to inquire as to which one of the two SLPs filed was legitimate.
Today, the Supreme Court, while considering two SLPs filed by the Committee of Management of the Sambhal Masjid, directed the Registry to inquire as to which one of the two SLPs was legitimate. Meanwhile, the status quo to continue on suit against the Sambhal Masjid until the next date of hearing.
There were two SLPs listed before the Supreme Court, filed by the Committee of Management Jami Masjid Sambhal represented by its Secretary and Vice President, respectively, against the order of the Allahabad High Court which held that the suit against the Shahi Jama Masjid was not barred by the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991.
The Bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Arade heard the matter and directed the Registry to enquire with into the matter as to which one of the two SLPs filed was legitimate.
At the outset, the Bench took note of the fact that two SLPs have been filed regarding the matter. Therefore, the Supreme Court directed the Registry to enquire into the same.
Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the Management Committee of the Masjid, clarified that in his SLP, he had a letter of authorisation to file the matter.
Thereafter, Justice Nath directed, "The Registry is directed to enquire as to which of the SLPs are filed legitimately..."
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, appearing for the Respondents, submitted that the interim order on status quo granted should not continue.
Later, the Court ordered that the report pertaining to two SLPs shall be submitted within two weeks, and the interim order shall continue.
Background
The Respondents herein contended before the Allahabad High Court that Sri Harihar Temple dedicated to Lord Kalki in the heart of city of Sambhal which is being forcibly and unlawfully used by the committee known as Jami Masjid Committee, Sambhal.
The questions placed before the Allahabad High Court for consideration were, "I. Whether the court below was correct in granting leave to institute the suit before expiry of period of notice under Section 80 (2) CPC? II. Whether the court below was correct to direct for local investigation and appoint Commission exercising power under Order XXVI Rule 9 and 10 CPC, and necessary compliance of Rule 68 and 69 of the General Rules Civil was made or not? III. Whether the court below could have proceeded with the matter under the Act of 1958, once the institution of suit was barred by the Act of 1991?”
On August 22, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered to continue status quo on suit against the Sambhal Masjid until next date of hearing, i.e, Monday.
Earlier, on April 1, 2025, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea challenging an Allahabad High Court order that asked the Archaeological Survey of India to whitewash the Mughal-era Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district.
On January 10,2025, the Supreme Court also intervened in the ongoing dispute over a well near the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, and directed that no Municipality notices related to the well be given effect to, until further orders.
Cause Title: Committee Of Management, Jami Masjid Sambhal, Ahmed Marg Kot V. Hari Shankar Jain And Ors. ( SLP(C) No. 21599/2025 XI)