ASI seeks control of Sambhal mosque, files response in court – Sambhal mosque ASI files response in court seeks control management of Mughal era structure ntc

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has filed its reply in the court in the Sambhal Masjid case. In this, control and management of the Mughal era mosque has been sought. ASI has told the court that it is a protected heritage structure. Let us tell you that earlier the court had given permission for the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid.

Advocate Vishnu Sharma, representing ASI, said, ‘The agency presented its counter in the court on Friday. It said that during the survey, the team had to face opposition from the mosque management committee and local people.

FIR has been registered 6 years ago

ASI has also mentioned an incident of 19 January 2018. At that time an FIR was registered against the mosque management committee for installing steel railings on the stairs of the mosque without permission.

‘It is important to follow ASI rules’

Vishnu Sharma said, ‘ASI had notified this monument as protected in 1920, since then the mosque is under the jurisdiction of the agency. Thus, public access to the structure should be allowed. But it is also important to follow ASI rules.

Concern expressed over making changes

ASI argues that control and management of the monument should remain with them. This also includes any structural modifications. The organization has also expressed concern over the management committee making unauthorized changes in the structure of the mosque. ASI has said that they should be banned. He has expressed hope that the court will deliberate on this matter in the coming days.

4 people died in violence

Let us tell you that violence broke out in Sambhal on 24 November. This happened when a survey was being conducted on the Shahi Jama Masjid following the court order. Four people were killed and many others were injured. A 3-member judicial commission was formed to investigate the violence.