The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and restricted it from conducting any probe over a disputed well in Sambhal masjid premises. The apex court directed the state to maintain the status quo.
Hearing a plea moved by the masjid committee against an order by the Sambhal Nagar Pallika over the well, the apex court restricted conducting any prayers or a survey of the disputed well. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar directed the state government to install a CCTV camera in the pathway near the well. The bench directed the state to file a status report and restricted any puja at the well located near the entrance of the masjid.
Directing the state to respond to the notice by February 21, the bench directed it to file a status report within two weeks.
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The masjid committee approached the apex court on Thursday and sought directions to maintain the status quo in the region. The committee argued the said well is located partially within the mosque premises and opening it for public use could affect fragile harmony in the region. They also argued in the name of a drive to revive old temples, the district administration has put up posters in the area publicising public use of the well and claims the structure has religious significance.
During an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court restricted courts from registering pleas related to the Places of Worship Act until it completed hearing on matters related to it. The CJI-led bench also restricted courts from issuing interim orders or surveys.
