Whitewashing Of Shahi Jama Masjid In UP's Sambhal Begins Today, After Allahabad HC's Approval

The whitewashing of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal began on Sunday after Allahabad High Court approval. The restoration, adhering to ASI's plan, will include painting in white, green, and gold.

File photo of Shahi Masjid in Sambhal.

Source : PTI

The whitewashing of the outer wall of Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal started on Sunday after Allahabad High Court granted permission on March 12.

#WATCH | UP | Sambhal: Whitewashing of Sambhal Jama Masjid begins after Allahabad High Court granted permission on March 12.

The next hearing in the case hearing is on April 8. https://t.co/oVh6tsWum1 pic.twitter.com/UGxMwBbK3U

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2025

Following a plan outlined by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the mosque will be painted in a combination of white, green, and golden colours. The ASI has also arranged for skilled labourers to carry out the work, ensuring that the project adheres to both historical and aesthetic standards.

On March 12, the Allahabad High Court approved mosque committee's demand for painting and allowed the whitewashing of the mosque from the outside. It has also allowed decoration with lights "without any tampering".

The next hearing in the case is on April 8 and the ASI will have to complete the whitewash within a week.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal gave the order. Shahi Jama Masjid Committee President Zafar Ali hailed the Allahabad High Court's decision, calling it a "big victory". He said the mosque side won in court.

What Did The Muslim Side Seek?

The mosque committee had sought permission to paint only the outer premises. However, the ASI objected to it. The high court then refused to give permission for the painting on the basis of the ASI report. The ASI report said that painting is not required right now.

The Jama Masjid Committee then filed an objection to the ASI report in the last hearing. The ASI also filed its reply on the objection of the mosque committee, but this time, the court okayed the painting of the Shahi Jama Masjid.

The Allahabad High Court had earlier approved the demand for cleaning, after which the Archaeological Survey of India completed the work on the mosque premises.