The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has filed a response in court regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, asserting its claim over the management and control of the Mughal-era mosque, a protected heritage structure.

ASI’s counsel Vishnu Sharma revealed that the agency, in its counterargument submitted on Friday, detailed resistance faced from the mosque’s management committee and locals during surveys of the site. The ASI also cited a January 19, 2018, incident where an FIR was lodged against the mosque’s committee for installing steel railings on the mosque’s steps without authorisation.

Also Read:Sambhal mosque row: Authorities extends ban on outsider’s entry till December 10

Notified as an ASI-protected monument in 1920, the Shahi Jama Masjid falls under the agency’s purview. The ASI argued that public access to the mosque should comply with its regulations and emphasised that any structural changes must be overseen by the agency to prevent unauthorised modifications.

The court is expected to deliberate on the ASI’s plea in the coming days.

Also Read:SC halts proceedings in Sambhal Mosque dispute, asks UP govt to maintain peace in violence-hit town

Violence erupted in Sambhal on November 24 during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, leaving four dead and many injured. The survey was linked to a petition claiming a Harihar temple once existed at the mosque’s site.

To investigate the clashes, a three-member judicial commission was constituted via a November 28 government notification. Led by retired Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora, the commission includes former IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad and retired IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain.

Also Read:Sambhal violence: SP MP, local MLA’s son booked after 4 killed in clashes over mosque survey

On Saturday, two commission members reached Moradabad, with the third member expected to join them Sunday as they head to Sambhal. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed their arrival.

The commission has been tasked with determining whether the violence was spontaneous or a planned conspiracy and assessing the preparedness of the police and administration. It will also examine the events leading to the clashes and propose measures to prevent similar incidents. The investigation is expected to conclude within two months, with extensions requiring government approval.