Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Challenging High Court’s Order On Whitewashing Disputed Site In Sambhal

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Allahabad High Court’s order to paint the disputed site in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

The petition, filed by Satish Chandra Agarwal, argued that the order directing the painting of the disputed site was inappropriate and sought a stay on the High Court’s decision.

Agarwal contended that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) should be responsible for the maintenance of monuments like the Harihar Temple and the disputed structure, which is allegedly occupied illegally by the Jama Masjid management committee.

Details of the High Court’s Order

The Allahabad High Court issued an order on March 12, directing the completion of the whitewashing of the disputed structure within a week.

The court also instructed the Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee to reimburse the ASI for the expenses incurred after completing the painting work.

The High Court emphasized that the whitewashing would take place under the supervision of a three-member committee, which would include an ASI official, a scientist, and an administrative officer.

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The court’s ruling also specified that the mosque committee should paint only the outer parts of the mosque, in line with their request.

The court allowed for lighting to be installed on the mosque’s outer walls, as long as the structure’s integrity remained intact.

Petitioner’s Concern Over Potential Harm

Agarwal’s petition raised concerns that the High Court’s order could harm the devotees of the nearby Harihar Temple, as well as the integrity of the disputed structure.

The petition also questioned whether the ASI received adequate funding for the upkeep of monuments like the Harihar Temple and the disputed mosque, suggesting that the management committee of Jama Masjid should not be responsible for reimbursing the ASI for the painting work.

Case Background

The petition filed by Zahir Asghar from the Jama Masjid Committee in February 2025 sought permission for the painting of the mosque.

The High Court’s order followed this petition, setting the conditions under which the painting could take place, ensuring that no harm would come to the mosque’s structure during the work.

The Supreme Court has now dismissed the petition, upholding the High Court’s decision.

The ruling is significant as it resolves the dispute surrounding the painting of the disputed site and the involvement of the Jama Masjid management committee in covering the costs.