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The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete the whitewashing of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, within a week. The court also directed that the mosque’s management committee must bear the costs and reimburse the expenses within a week after the work is completed.
The order was issued in response to an application filed by the mosque committee in February 2025, seeking permission to whitewash and clean the mosque ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The committee stressed the need to maintain the mosque’s cleanliness and appearance for the religious period.
During the hearing, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal expressed dissatisfaction with ASI’s counsel, Advocate Manoj Kumar Singh, who argued that the mosque management had been independently whitewashing the mosque for years, allegedly causing damage to its exterior walls. The court questioned the ASI’s inaction over the years, stating, “Where were you in 2010, and in 2020? It’s only in 2024-25 that you’re taking action. You have stated that for several years, the masjid committee has been doing whitewashing. What have you done? You are acting at the behest of the government.”
The Jama Masjid in Sambhal is a historically significant structure, dating back to the early 16th century. In 1927, an agreement was made between the mosque management committee and the then-government, entrusting the ASI with its maintenance and upkeep. This agreement recognizes the mosque as a protected monument, highlighting the shared responsibility for its preservation.
The High Court’s decision emphasizes the need for collaboration between government bodies and local stakeholders in preserving historical sites. By assigning financial responsibility to the mosque committee, the court reinforces the importance of community involvement in heritage conservation. At the same time, the ASI’s role ensures that maintenance is carried out in accordance with conservation standards.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in protecting cultural heritage and could serve as a precedent for the maintenance of other historic monuments across the country.
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