The survey report of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is nearing completion and will be submitted to the court in early January 2025, according to the court-appointed commissioner, Advocate Ramesh Singh Raghav. On December 23, Raghav confirmed that the report would be filed either on January 2 or 3, 2025.
“The survey report is almost complete, with only a few technical issues to be addressed today. Since it is the last working day of the court before its closure, the report will be submitted before the Supreme Court’s stay order expires on January 6,” Raghav told the media.
The survey was ordered following claims from the Hindu side that the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing a temple. On November 19, the court-appointed an advocate commissioner for the survey. However, during the second round of the survey on November 24, protests by locals clashed with security forces, resulting in violence, at least four deaths, and numerous injuries.
The Supreme Court intervened on November 29, directing the Sambhal trial court to halt proceedings regarding the mosque and its survey. The court also instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure peace and harmony in the area amid the unrest.
