Google Maps cited in the Supreme Court over a dispute over the location of a well in the Sambhal Mosque

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice on a plea filed by the Jama Masjid Sambhal management committee and ordered status quo to be maintained with regard to a private well located near the entrance of the mosque.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar ordered that no action should be taken in connection with the well without its consent and directed the authorities to submit a status report within two weeks.

The plea filed by the Shahi Jama Masjid Management Committee challenges the order of senior civil judge Sambhal dated November 19, 2024, which allowed the appointment of a commissioner-advocate to investigate the mosque.

It was alleged that the study led to violence and loss of life, prompting urgent intervention by the Supreme Court.

Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the Management Committee, highlighted the historical significance of the well, stating: “We have been drawing water from the well since time immemorial.” Ahmadi expressed concerns over the announcement designating the site as ‘Hari Mandir’ and plans to start religious activities there.

“No such actions will be allowed. Please submit a status report,” the CJI said.

The bench said that status quo should be maintained in respect of the well and no notifications in connection with it would be valid.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, said the well was outside the scope of the mosque and had long been used for worship purposes.

Ahmadi said the well was located partly inside the mosque and partly outside it, citing a photo from Google Maps to support the claim.

“Convey appropriate directions to the District Magistrate of Sambhal to ensure that the status quo is maintained in respect of the private well located near the stairs/entrance of the mosque and that he should not take any step/action in connection therewith without due permission before this High Court,” it said justification.

The mosque committee said it has filed a complaint against the November 19, 2024 order of the senior civil judge of Sambhal division, Chandausi.

The local court allowed an application seeking appointment of a commissioner-advocate to conduct a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The mosque committee said the complaint was accepted without being examined on the same day it was submitted.

“It was because of the second investigation, which resulted in violence and loss of life, that the SLP described was preferred in extraordinary circumstances,” it said.

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