The controversy surrounding the Sambhal mosque revolves around a petition that claims the 16th-century Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was constructed on the site of an ancient Hari Har Mandir. This case has drawn comparisons to other notable disputes, such as the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.
The Sambhal mosque, built between 1526 and 1530 by Mughal Emperor Babur, is one of three prominent mosques established during his reign. For centuries, it has represented a symbol of communal harmony, fostering a sense of unity among diverse communities in Sambhal.
The Places of Worship Act, enacted in 1991, plays a crucial role in this ongoing dispute by preserving the religious character of all places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. Notably, the Act explicitly prohibits any alteration of the character of a place of worship, thereby safeguarding the status quo.
In response to the petition, a court mandated a photographic and videographic survey of the mosque premises. This process was conducted in a peaceful manner, although it was not without its accompanying legal and political challenges.
The petition raises questions regarding the examination of the mosque’s historical religious character, which could potentially conflict with the stipulations set forth in the Places of Worship Act. Similar legal challenges have also emerged in Varanasi, Mathura, and Dhar, questioning the Act's provisions and their implications.
Unlike the disputes seen in Ayodhya and Varanasi, the Sambhal dispute is relatively recent. It has surfaced despite centuries of peaceful coexistence among various communities. This recent emergence highlights the shifting dynamics regarding heritage and religious identity in contemporary India.
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