Priyanka Tiwari
Share
Consequent to the Sambhal Jama Masjid Case, there was a court ruling that allowed a mosque to be painted but clarified that videography has to be done during supervision so that no damage is incurred to the building. The hearing is set for another session in High Court on Friday. The ASI has been directed by the court to examine the mosque and check if painting it would be necessary or if there is any alternative that could be taken. The court has also imposed a deadline to the ASI and expects the opinions to be ready by February 28. The work should be done by the end of the second month of the year so that by the beginning of the last month, the requested renovations would have been done. The court also noted that “Ramadan is about to start, so hurry up.”
ASI will submit their report in two to three days.
The advocate general representing the UP government has noted that the court ought to also consider whether the requisite painting is actually necessary. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, we will communicate with the court after primary examination within two to three days. This step needs to be taken observing the concerns of the Hindu side. We will allow painting to be done only in the presence of perched ASI officer and collector. There shouldn't be any alteration in the building during this period. The only scenario under which we will allow painting is if that exercise is captured on video. We comprehend the objection to the Hindu side. Your concerns are well noted and the court will pass the order taking into consideration your apprehensions.
Disguised Conspiracy Punishable By Law for Defecating Hindu Symbols,
Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lawyer representing the Hindus, stated, “I would like to strongly oppose the request put forth by the mosque committee." Vishnu Shankar Jain remarked, “They seek to remove slash alter Hindu related artefacts in the mosques under the pretense of painting." The court said, If you wish to do the painting, then let the ASI bring its people inside the mosque. The lawyer of the mosque committee said, we have not restrained them from coming in. The mosque also needs to have the paintings of lights and garlands put up. ASI, however, you get one of your officers to that for the oversight of these works in the mosque. The High Court instructed the ASI.
What was the reason the ASI division did not receive the application form?
The court asked ASI, if you received the written application from the mosque committee, what action did you take? Which officer's feet can be put to the above question? The Hindu side opposed the demand of the mosque committee. The lawyer of the mosque committee stated that we submitted our application with the ASI, but since no decision has been made with respect to granting permission for the painting, we had to file this case in court.
Allegations made by the mosque committee against ASI
Naqvi, lawyer of the mosque committee stated, there is not a single instance of Shahi Masjid ever being painted by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Shahi Masjid is still under thatnong litigation, so we brought it to the notice of the local administration for them to take action. As the local administration, they said that we would have to seek clearance from the Archaeological Department first. The court questioned the stance of the mosque committee saying there are many people who do not understand how it works and that by doing so, you will be preventing the ASI team from going into the mosque. It is the ASI that should supervise the carrying out of the painting works.
The Jama Masjid is an ASI protected monument.
The Court narrated to the Masjid Committee’s counsel that the monument is ASI protected. Any work inside the mosque can only be done through ASI. The Masjid Committee’s lawyer contended that there was a contract with ASI. According to this arrangement, the Masjid Committee will undertake painting and maintenance of the mosque. At the same time, the ASI’s lawyer contended that the Masjid Committee’s people are obstructing our entry into the mosque.
