No work should be done on Sambhal mosque without ASI approval, says district magistrate | Bareilly News

NEW DELHI: A day after the Shahi Jama Masjid management sought permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to redecorate the mosque ahead of Ramzan, the Sambhal administration issued a directive stating that no work should be undertaken without the agency’s approval.
On Sunday, Shahi Jama Masjid Management Committee President Zafar Ali informed reporters that the committee had formally written to the ASI, requesting authorization to clean, paint, and decorate the mosque in preparation for Ramzan.
Addressing inquiries regarding the committee’s request, Sambhal district magistrate Rajender Pensiya stated that the matter is currently pending in court and that the property falls under the jurisdiction of the ASI.
“The ASI has to take a decision. We have said that until the ASI grants permission, no one has the right to tamper with it (mosque) in any way,” he asserted.
He further remarked, “I don’t think there is any need for painting this type of a disputed structure. Still, the ASI should take a decision. There is nothing from our side.”
In its letter, the management committee highlighted that the mosque has traditionally undergone cleaning and decoration ahead of Ramzan for centuries without any objections from the ASI. However, as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and harmony, the committee decided to seek formal approval this time.
Ali reiterated that the committee’s intent was to secure official authorization to continue the longstanding tradition and expressed confidence that the ASI would grant the necessary approval.
The Mughal-era mosque came under the spotlight following violent clashes during a court-ordered survey of the site, in which protesters confronted security personnel, resulting in multiple casualties.
The survey was initiated based on a petition claiming that a Harihar temple previously existed at the site.
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