Sambhal Mosque Demolition: Allahabad HC Refuses Interim Protection

The Allahabad High Court has refused to grant interim protection to Masjid Shareef Gosulbara Ravan Bujurg in Sambhal district, which is facing demolition by the local authorities.

Justice Dinesh Pathak heard the plea filed by the mosque management challenging a Tehsildar’s demolition order. When the Court declined to entertain the plea, the petitioners sought permission to withdraw it and instead approach the appellate court under Section 67(5) of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006. They also requested interim relief to prevent demolition till the appeal was filed.

The Court, however, stated that the petitioners were free to move an application before the appellate court seeking such protection. Justice Pathak observed:

“It is open for the petitioners to move an appropriate application before the appellate court for the interim protection. The application, if filed, shall be considered and decided by the appellate court in accordance with law, on its own merits, without being influenced by this order.”

According to reports, the mosque is alleged to have been constructed on land classified as a compost pit or pond area. Earlier, the authorities had agreed to temporarily halt the demolition after the mosque management sought four days to pursue legal remedies.

Advocate Aravind Kumar Tripathi appeared for the petitioners, while Additional Advocate General Sanjeev Singh, Chief Standing Counsel JN Maurya, and Standing Counsel Ashish Mohan Srivastava represented the State.