Shahi Jama Masjid-Harihar Temple Dispute: Court Schedules Next Hearing For August 28

The Chandausi court has scheduled the next hearing in the ongoing Shahi Jama Masjid-Harihar temple dispute for Thursday, August 28. Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh will preside over the case.

Shri Shri Gopal Sharma, representing the Hindu side, said the opposing party submitted a motion on Thursday, asserting that as the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, the current court lacked jurisdiction to proceed.

Consequently, the court deferred further proceedings to August 28.

The Muslim side had earlier challenged the maintainability of the case in the Allahabad High Court. However, on May 19, the High Court upheld the trial court’s order, allowing a court-monitored survey and directing the matter to continue.

Speaking to the media, Shahi Jama Masjid’s counsel Qasim Jamal confirmed filing the case and obtaining a ruling under the Worship Act. He emphasised that until the Supreme Court addresses the matter, no other court is entitled to consider any religious claims.

Jamal warned that any hearings before the Supreme Court’s decision would contravene its directives.

The trial court has instructed parties to file any objections by August 28.

Historical Dispute and Earlier Riots

Hindu petitioners, including attorneys Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain, filed a lawsuit in the Sambhal district court on November 19 last year, claiming that the mosque had been constructed atop an old temple.

The court conducted an initial survey on the same day, followed by a second survey on November 24.

The second survey triggered violent riots in Sambhal, resulting in four deaths and injuries to 29 police officers.

Authorities filed a First Information Report (FIR) against SP MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, mosque committee head Zafar Ali, and 2,750 unidentified individuals in connection with the unrest.

The dispute remains highly sensitive, with both religious communities emphasising adherence to legal procedures while awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.

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