Sambhal violence case: SC stops trial court from taking any action, sets next hearing for January 6

Tensions remain high in Sambhal as authorities intensify security and the Supreme Court hears a plea challenging the survey of Jama Masjid.

The Supreme Court of India addressed the ongoing dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, emphasising the need to maintain peace and harmony in the region. In a significant development, the court stopped the trial court from taking any further action and scheduled the next hearing on January 6, 2025. The bench, led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, instructed the district administration to establish peace committees to ensure communal harmony and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

The petition, filed by the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee, challenged a lower court's November 19 order directing a survey of the 16th-century mosque. The Committee raised concerns that the survey could escalate tensions and disrupt communal peace. While the Supreme Court did not halt the survey, it ordered the report to be submitted in a sealed envelope.

During the proceedings, the CJI stressed the importance of maintaining peace. "Peace and harmony must be maintained at all costs," the CJI remarked, directing the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure calm in Sambhal. The court also advised the trial court to refrain from further actions until the High Court resolves the matter.

Amidst heightened tensions in Sambhal, the Supreme Court's intervention underscores the importance of preserving communal harmony as legal proceedings continue.

Stone-pelting Incident and judicial inquiry

Tensions in Sambhal escalated after violence erupted during the survey on November 24, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and the death of four people, along with injuries to several others, including police personnel. Following the unrest, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel established a three-member judicial inquiry commission led by retired Justice Devendra Kumar Arora to investigate the incident.

The commission, which includes retired IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad and retired IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain, has been tasked with examining whether the violence was premeditated and evaluating the district's response. The panel has two months to submit its findings unless an extension is granted.

Security measures and ongoing tensions

The state administration has deployed heavy police forces in Sambhal and across Moradabad division to ensure peace during Friday prayers. Meetings with local Muslim leaders have also been conducted to foster calm. The city Qazi has appealed to residents to offer prayers at their local mosques and maintain harmony.

As the Supreme Court hears the plea, residents and authorities alike are hoping for a resolution that can restore normalcy and uphold communal harmony.