The Uttar Pradesh government has informed the Supreme Court that the well near the disputed mosque in Sambhal is not linked to the Jama Masjid and is situated on public land.
According to a status report cited by The Indian Express, the government emphasized that the site in question is located on public land. The report further stated, “Even the disputed religious site itself is situated on public land. It is submitted that the well is a public well, not located within the mosque or the disputed religious site. There is no access to the well from inside the mosque.”
The Supreme Court had earlier put a temporary hold on a notice issued by the Sambhal municipal authorities regarding the well adjacent to the mosque. This action followed a plea filed by the mosque management committee, which argued that the well is part of the mosque’s premises and its water is used for religious purposes.
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The status report also noted that the well has historically been used by people of all communities. However, it currently holds no water. It was also revealed that after communal riots in 1978, a police outpost was constructed over a portion of the well, while the other section continued to be used until 2012, when it was eventually covered.
On January 10, 2025, the mosque management committee informed the Supreme Court that the well lies within the mosque’s boundary and plays a role in its daily functions. They contested a public notice issued by the Sambhal Nagar Palika, which referred to the well as part of the Hari Mandir premises and stated that religious rituals would commence at the site.
The government’s report countered this claim, stating, “Upon reviewing records, it was found that the petitioner did not disclose the presence of another well within the mosque’s boundary, locally known as ‘Yagna Koop’. There has been no interference with this well. A three-member committee conducted a site inspection and determined that the disputed well is situated outside the mosque’s boundary wall.”
Citing a Hindustan Times report, the Supreme Court instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure peace and explore mediation under Section 43 of the Mediation Act as a potential resolution. Additionally, the court placed restrictions on publicizing the survey report until the High Court hears the case.
The state government also alleged that misleading photographs were presented in court to suggest that the well is within the mosque premises. It submitted verified images showing side views of the well, demonstrating its location outside the disputed site.
As legal proceedings continue, the matter remains under judicial scrutiny, with efforts focused on maintaining communal harmony and finding a resolution through legal and community-driven channels.
