The Supreme Court has ordered a status quo on a private well located near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. This directive halts any actions at the site without the Court’s approval. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also directed authorities to submit a status report within two weeks. The petition, filed by the mosque’s management committee, challenges a lower court order that allowed a survey of the mosque premises. The mosque committee contends that this survey, conducted without their input, sparked violent protests on November 24, resulting in the death of four individuals.

Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the mosque committee, emphasized the well’s historical and cultural significance, asserting that water has been drawn from it “since time immemorial.” Concerns were also raised about notices referring to the well as “Hari Mandir” and plans for initiating religious activities there. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, claimed the well lies outside the mosque’s premises and has historical ties to worship. The Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for peace and harmony, directed local authorities to ensure no further actions occur until further orders.

The petition cited the November 19 decision of a local civil judge, which allowed a second survey at the mosque. This survey reportedly reignited tensions, leading to violent clashes. The Supreme Court, in response, stressed that preserving public order is paramount and instructed all parties involved to refrain from actions that might escalate the situation further. The matter remains under close judicial scrutiny, with a focus on ensuring justice and maintaining communal harmony.