Read Time: 04 minutes

Synopsis

In a written statement cum affidavit submitted to a Sambhal court, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has accused the Jama Masjid Management Committee of obstructing its efforts to inspect the Shahi Jama Masjid at Chandausi, a centrally protected monument. The ASI stated that its officials have been unable to access the site for a long period due to resistance from the committee.

"It is submitted that ASI officials are being prevented to enter the said monument since the long period by the committee members hence the present status of the monument is not known to ASI," the affidavit stated.

The ASI highlighted multiple times that the monument's current status remains unclear, as their inspections have been sporadic and met with significant challenges. Despite these obstacles, the ASI reported conducting limited inspections with assistance from the district administration.

Notably, the affidavit, signed by Vinod Singh Rawat, Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI's Meerut circle, detailed findings from an inspection conducted on June 25, 2024. The inspection revealed unauthorized modifications to the monument, including the use of bright colors in the interior and alterations that have compromised its original structure.

“The monument has been significantly distorted, with interventions, additions, and modifications observed during the inspection,” the affidavit stated. It also mentioned that the ASI issued complaints to local police and served show-cause notices whenever modern interventions were detected.

The affidavit responds to a suit filed by eight plaintiffs, including Mahant Rishiraj Giri, who claim that the mosque was constructed in 1526 after the demolition of the ancient Hari Har Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu's Kalki avatar, on orders from Mughal ruler Babar.

The matter has taken a legal turn, with the Supreme Court intervening on a related front. On Friday, the apex court directed the Sambhal Trial Court to halt proceedings in the case against the mosque until the Masjid Committee's plea challenging the survey order is listed before the Allahabad High Court.

Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered that the Advocate Commissioner's survey report be kept sealed and unopened until further directions.