Thirty years after the demolition of the Babri Masjid, another mosque in Uttar Pradesh is at the Centre of a contentious debate. A court-ordered survey of sambhal’s 16th-century Jama Masjid has triggered riots, numerous deaths and arrests, disrupting the city.
Built during Babur’s reign between 1526-1530, the mosque, overseen by the Hindu Beg Qucin, reflects Mughal architecture. However, some historians allege that it contains the remains of pre-existing Hindu temples. As the birthplace of Kalki, the last incarnation of Vishnu in Hindu mythology, Sambhal is also home to the upcoming Kalki Danam temple, which has added to the controversy.
The legal dispute started with a petition filed by advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who claimed that the mosque was built on the Harihar temple destroyed during babur’s attack. The petitioners have sought unrestricted access to Hindus citing historical texts such as the Baburnama and accused the authorities of neglecting the site under the Ancient Monuments Act of 1958. The Mosque Committee opposes these claims, citing the Places of Worship Act of 1991, which prohibits changing the status of religious places after 1947.
The controversy intensified on November 19, 2024, when a court-ordered survey was launched in a heavy contingent of police, which was criticised for judicial overreach. During another survey on November 24, protests intensified, leading to violent clashes. Four people were killed, more than 30 policemen were injured and several vehicles were torched. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders, suspended internet services and deployed security forces to restore law and order.
Advocate Jain reiterated the need for an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) probe, while Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barg condemned the move as divisive. Critics say such cases undermine the 1991 law, which threatens communal harmony. Former chief minister Mayawati demanded accountability of the government to prevent further unrest. The situation is still volatile, reflecting deep tensions over India’s religious heritage.
#SambhalJamaMasjid | Mr Zafar Ali, the lawyer for the Masjid committee made announcement from the Mosque, he requested everyone to stay calm and not to indulge in any kind of violence : @Vishnu_Jain1 , Lawyer@AnchorAnandN | #therightstand pic.twitter.com/lDB0rl8WIs
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 25, 2024