Sambhal administration acts against Shahi Jama Masjid head’s family members to prevent breach of peace
In a legal development in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, the local administration has taken stringent action against five family members of Zafar Ali, the president of the managing committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid. On Tuesday, legal proceedings were initiated against them under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing sections that empower authorities to impose measures aimed at preventing any breach of peace or disruption of public tranquillity.
According to the police, the individuals against whom action has been taken include Ali’s son, Haider Ali; his brothers, Tahir Ali and Qamar Hasan; and his nephews, Mohammed Danish and Mohammed Mujib. Notably, all five individuals are practicing lawyers associated with the local Chandausi court. Law enforcement officials stated that these individuals have been “bound down” under BNSS sections 126 and 135, which pertain to securing peace and conducting inquiries into the truth of information received by authorities.
As part of this legal action, each of the five individuals has been required to furnish a surety bond of ₹1 lakh. This means that if any of them are found to be involved in activities—whether verbal or physical—that could potentially incite unrest or disturb public order, they will be liable to pay the specified amount to the court as a financial penalty.
The officer in charge of the Sambhal Kotwali police station, Anuj Tomar, officially confirmed the enforcement of these preventive measures against the five individuals. Additionally, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sambhal district, Vandana Mishra, provided further clarification on the decision, stating, “This step has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure that peace and order are maintained in the town, especially in light of the upcoming Eid and Navratri festivals.”
The backdrop to these developments lies in the controversy surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid, which has been at the center of a legal dispute. Zafar Ali, who has been in judicial custody since March 23, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the violent clashes that erupted in Sambhal in November last year. The violence was triggered following a second court-mandated survey of the mosque premises to investigate claims that a Hindu temple once stood at the site before being demolished during the Mughal era. The survey, which was ordered by the court as part of an ongoing legal petition, led to tensions that eventually escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others.
Meanwhile, in response to the administration’s actions against Zafar Ali and his family members, the legal fraternity in the district has launched a protest. Members of the Sambhal District Bar Association have collectively decided to boycott court proceedings until Ali is released from custody. The association has expressed strong opposition to what they perceive as the unjust treatment of their fellow lawyer and his family by the police and local administration.
One of the leading voices of the protest, advocate Mohammed Shahid, stated, “We are determined to continue our agitation until the persecution and harassment of our respected leader and advocate, Zafar Ali, and his family by law enforcement authorities come to an end.” The lawyers have vowed to sustain their protest and refrain from entering the court premises until their demands are met.
The situation in Sambhal remains tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments to prevent any further escalation of tensions. The police and local administration have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring that communal harmony is upheld, especially given the upcoming religious festivals.
