UP Court Orders Survey Of Sambhal's Mosque By Advocate Commissioner On Plea Claiming It Was Built Over Demolished Temple

The order was passed by Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh on a suit filed by eight plaintiffs, including Mahant Rishiraj Giri, who claimed that the mosque in question was built in 1526 after demolishing a temple that stood there. Advocate Ramesh Chand Raghav was directed to act as an advocate commission.

“It would felicitate the court to adjudicate the suit if a report about the situation (at the site in question) is submitted (before the court). Therefore, in the interest of justice, application 8C is accepted with the condition that at the time of the survey, the appointed advocate commissioner should get photography and videography done on the spot of the entire proceeding,” the Court's order reads while issuing an advocate commission and seeking a report by November 29.

According to a report published in The Indian Express, the order was passed within three hours of the application being submitted around 1:30 p.m. By 6:15 p.m., the advocate commissioner and a special team formed after consulting with the mosque's managing committee, petitioners, and local officials had reached the site for the survey.

According to different media reports, the more than hour-long survey included photography and videography of the mosque premises.

According to the Hindu Plaintiffs, the Mosque in question was originally the site of an ancient temple (Hari Har Temple) dedicated to Kalki, the last avatar of Lord Vishnu. In 1526, on the orders of Mughal Ruler Babar, the temple was partly demolished and converted into a mosque.

In their suit, the plaintiffs, represented by Advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain, the right to access the mosque is being claimed.