The Allahabad High Court has been approached with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the communal violence that erupted in Sambhal district during a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The clashes, which occurred on November 24, led to four deaths amid allegations of police excesses and administrative lapses.
The PIL, filed by Dr. Anand Prakash Tiwari, has called for the formation of an SIT led by a retired High Court judge. The petitioner has requested an impartial inquiry into the roles of top district officials, including the Commissioner of Police, the Superintendent of Police (SP), the District Magistrate (DM), and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The plea also seeks to establish an independent committee of central agency officers to evaluate the conduct of state authorities and submit a report within a stipulated timeframe.
Background of the Incident
The violence stems from a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, based on claims that the mosque was built over a demolished temple during the Mughal era. On November 19, a Sambhal civil court, presided over by Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh, directed Advocate Commissioner Ramesh Raghav to conduct the survey and submit a report by November 29.
Protests intensified when surveyors arrived in Chandausi town on November 24 for a second survey, following an initial assessment five days earlier. The situation escalated into violent clashes involving stone-pelting and vehicle torching. While the authorities confirmed four fatalities, an autopsy ruled out police firing as the cause of the deaths.
Key Prayers in the PIL
The petitioner’s plea highlights several urgent demands:
- Judicial Oversight: The formation of an SIT headed by a retired judge to ensure unbiased investigations.
- Central Involvement: Appointment of a committee from central agencies, beyond the jurisdiction of the Uttar Pradesh government, to review administrative actions.
- Preventive Guidelines: Development of detailed protocols for district authorities involved in court-mandated surveys of religious sites to prevent future unrest.
Judicial Quotes
The PIL raises concerns over administrative inefficiency and seeks judicial intervention to ensure accountability. Advocates Imran Ullah and Vineet Vikram, representing the petitioner, emphasized the need for “transparent and independent oversight” in such cases to uphold public trust.
Legal and Communal Ramifications
The November 24 violence marks a flashpoint in the ongoing legal and communal discourse around historical religious structures. While the court-mandated survey has deepened communal tensions in the region, the PIL underscores the broader need for clarity and restraint in handling such sensitive matters.
The Allahabad High Court is yet to issue a hearing date for the PIL.
