Supreme Court reserves verdict on Sambhal Jama Masjid and Harihar temple survey challenge
A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe reserved judgment on the mosque committee's challenge to the Allahabad High Court's order upholding a civil court's survey order.
- ANI
A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe reserved judgment on the mosque committee's challenge to the Allahabad High Court's order upholding a civil court's survey order. The committee argued the suit is barred by the Places of Worship Act, 1991, while the Hindu plaintiffs argued the structure is an ASI-protected monument since 1920 and falls under the Section 4(3) exception.
The UP government said it would not take sides.
Key data
Survey ordered 19 Nov 2024. The Supreme Court froze new such suits on 12 Dec 2024. The Act's interpretation is pending before a larger bench.
Why it matters
The ruling will signal whether the ASI "protected monument" exception can open disputes the 1991 Act otherwise bars.
GK: did you know?
Bhāgavata Purāṇa 12.2.18 names Śambhala-grāma as the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth avatāra of Viṣṇu.
