A court in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has ordered the team conducting the survey of a Mughal-era mosque to submit its report within 10 days. The Civil Judge, Aditya Singh, set the next hearing for January 8. The survey was ordered on November 19 to look into claims that a Hindu temple existed on the site before the mosque was built in 1526. These claims were made by Hindu priest Rishi Raj Giri.
Advocate Commissioner Ramesh Raghav, who is overseeing the survey, explained that the report is still not ready and additional time is needed. “The court was informed that the survey report had not been completed, and additional time was needed,” Raghav said. “The court granted the request and set the hearing date for January 8.”
Violence broke out on November 24 during protests against the survey, resulting in the deaths of five people. The survey is a sensitive issue, with tensions rising in the region.
On Friday, the Supreme Court intervened, asking the Sambhal court to delay the hearing until the Allahabad High Court considers a petition filed by the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee, which is challenging the survey. The Supreme Court also instructed that the survey report be kept in a sealed cover and not be opened until the matter is heard.
Meanwhile, the Sambhal administration has extended a ban on the entry of outsiders into the district until December 10. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya stated, “No outsider, any social organization, or any public representative can enter the borders of the district without seeking the permission of the competent authority till December 10.”
