On the night of November 19, a survey was conducted at the Jama Masjid in Sambhal after the Civil Court of Sambhal directed the move. The court’s order was based on a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who claimed the mosque was originally the Hari Har Mandir, a Hindu temple that was partially demolished in 1529 by Mughal ruler Babar. Jain argued that the site holds religious importance for Hindus and requested an Advocate Commissioner-led survey of the premises.

The survey was carried out under the Advocate Commissioner’s supervision, with security provided by the Sambhal district administration. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia confirmed the survey’s completion, stating, “We ensured security for the survey. The Advocate Commissioner has completed the proceedings and will file a report in court. Any further action will be determined by the court.”

Jain’s petition highlighted signs of the site’s Hindu origin, including carvings and symbols indicative of a temple. He also referenced Sambhal’s religious significance in Hinduism as the prophesied birthplace of Kalki Avatar, an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu, expected to appear at the end of Kaliyug. In a post on X, Jain wrote, “Today the Hon’ble Civil Court Sambhal, on my petition, has directed a survey by the Advocate Commissioner in the alleged Jami Masjid in Sambhal, which was known as Hari Har Mandir. Babur partly demolished this place in 1529. It is believed that Kalki Avatar is to happen at Sambhal.”

Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq opposed the court’s decision, citing the Supreme Court’s 1991 directive to maintain the religious status quo as of 1947. He stated, “This mosque has always been a mosque. Changing its status violates established law and disrupts communal harmony.”

The court has directed the Advocate Commissioner to submit a detailed report, including photographs and videography, by November 29, 2024. The findings will be reviewed to determine the next course of action. Meanwhile, additional police forces have been deployed in Sambhal to maintain peace and prevent any unrest.