India
Sambhal Mosque row: SC stops trial, internet restored, Friday prayers held peacefully – 10 points | India News – Times of India
The situation in Sambhal had been tense since November 24, when clashes broke out near the mosque, resulting in stone pelting and arson, leading to the death of four people. In response, internet services were suspended and ban orders were enforced. However, in an effort to restore normalcy, internet services were restored on Friday afternoon and Friday prayers were performed peacefully, according to officials.
The Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, further directed that the inquiry report prepared by the court-appointed commissioner should remain sealed until the Allahabad High Court or an appropriate appellate forum heard the mosque committee’s appeal. The bench also urged the formation of a peace committee, comprising members from both communities, to promote dialogue and prevent further unrest.
Important points on the The row of the Sambhal Mosque:
- Supreme Court intervention: The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed all proceedings related to the mosque investigation at the trial court level, directing that the matter be heard by the Allahabad High Court within three working days.
- Sealed investigation report: The Supreme Court has ruled that the investigative report of the attorney commissioner will remain sealed and unopened until further orders of the court of appeal.
- Internet services restored: Internet services, which were suspended after the November 24 violence, were restored on Friday afternoon, marking a step towards restoring normalcy in the district.
- Friday prayers held peacefully: District authorities ensured that prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid and other mosques took place peacefully, deploying heavy police presence and installing additional CCTV cameras and drones for surveillance.
- Tensions since investigation order: The controversy began after a civil court ordered an investigation into the mosque following claims by a Hindu group that the mosque was built on the ruins of a temple.
- November 24 violence: On November 24, clashes between protesters and security personnel near the mosque resulted in stone pelting, arson and the death of four people, while several others were injured.
- Peace efforts by the authorities: The district administration imposed prohibitory orders and the Supreme Court directed the state to set up a peace committee to mediate between communities.
- Call from the mosque committee: The Shahi Jama Masjid Committee has challenged the probe order in the Supreme Court, citing its possible consequences
communal unrest and calls for immediate action. - State Government Insurance: The Additional Solicitor General, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, assured the Supreme Court of the state’s commitment to maintain peace.
- SP delegation visits Sambhal on Saturday: A delegation from the Samajwadi Party will visit Sambhal on Saturday while the Congress plans a visit on December 2 to assess the situation and report to their respective party leadership.
