The Supreme Court has directed the trial court in Sambhal to pause its proceedings in the case related to the Shahi Jama Masjid until the Allahabad High Court passes an order on the matter.¹ This development comes after the mosque committee challenged the trial court’s order to conduct a survey of the mosque. The Supreme Court has also ordered that the report submitted by the Advocate Commissioner be kept in a sealed cover and not be opened until further orders.

The case has been marred by controversy, with the plaintiffs claiming that the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Babar in 1526 after demolishing a temple. The survey ordered by the trial court triggered violence in the area, resulting in four deaths. The mosque committee has argued that the suit is barred by the Places of Worship Act and that the trial court erred in passing the order ex-parte without hearing the mosque’s side.

The Supreme Court’s order is seen as a move to maintain peace and harmony in the area. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna expressed concerns over the need to maintain peace among communities in the Sambhal district. The court has also directed that any petition filed by the mosque committee against the survey order be listed before the High Court within three working days.