The survey report for the Shahi Jama Masjid is nearing completion and is expected to be submitted to the court in January 2025, according to the court-appointed commissioner.
Advocate Ramesh Singh Raghav, who serves as the court commissioner, announced on December 23 that the report would likely be filed on January 2 or 3.
“The survey report for the Shahi Jama Masjid is almost finalized, with only a few technical adjustments pending. Since today is the last working day for the court before its closure, the report will be submitted either on January 2 or 3,” Raghav informed reporters.
He added that the Supreme Court’s stay order prohibits the trial court from taking any action until January 6, ensuring the report is filed before that deadline.
The court had issued an ex-parte order on November 19, authorizing the mosque’s survey by an advocate commissioner after considering a plea from the Hindu side. The plea alleged that Mughal emperor Babur constructed the mosque in 1526 after demolishing a temple.
Tensions escalated during the survey’s second phase on November 24, as protests by locals turned violent. The clashes with security forces resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others.
On November 29, the Supreme Court intervened, instructing the Sambhal trial court to halt proceedings in the Shahi Jama Masjid case. It also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure peace and harmony in the violence-affected town.