The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere with the Allahabad High Court's directive instructing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to proceed with the whitewashing of the external walls of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi, Sambhal district.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar heard the challenge against the Allahabad High Court’s order. The directive required the ASI to whitewash the mosque’s exterior as per a 1927 agreement between the mosque management committee and the ASI. The suit in question contends that the mosque was constructed over a demolished Hindu temple.

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Advocate Barun Sinha, representing petitioner Satish Kumar Aggarwal, argued that the Allahabad High Court erred in directing the ASI to undertake the whitewashing. However, the Supreme Court refused to entertain the petition and upheld the High Court’s decision, stating:

"We are not inclined to entertain the present petition. Dismissed."

With this, the Supreme Court effectively endorsed the High Court’s order without further deliberation.

Allahabad HC’s Order and ASI’s Role

The Allahabad High Court, in March, instructed the ASI to complete the whitewashing process within one week. The directive was based on the historical agreement signed in 1927, which governs the maintenance of the mosque. As per the order:

• The ASI will conduct whitewashing on areas where it is necessary.
• The mosque management committee must reimburse the ASI for the expenses incurred within one week of completion.

Read Also:- Allahabad High Court Orders ASI to Complete Whitewashing of Sambhal Jama Masjid Within a Week

The mosque committee had earlier sought permission to clean and whitewash the mosque premises ahead of the holy month of Ramzan.

This case is part of a broader legal dispute regarding the historical origins of the mosque. The Allahabad High Court’s decision aligns with a larger case wherein a suit has been filed alleging that the mosque stands on the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple.

Additionally, the Supreme Court is also considering a petition from the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Committee. This petition challenges a trial court’s ruling from November 19, 2024, which authorized an Advocate Commissioner to survey the mosque in response to claims that the structure was built after demolishing a pre-existing temple.

Case Details : SATISH KUMAR AGGARWAL Versus COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT, JAMI MASJID SAMBHAL AND ORS.| Diary No. 14755-2025