The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) told the Central Information Commission that it does not have any records that show Uttar Pradesh’s Jama Masjid was constructed on vacant land or after razing down any earlier structure. Furthermore, it stated that it does not have records that identify the landowner at the time of construction.
The reply came ahead of the response to an RTI application filed by Satya Prakash Yadav as she sought details on the origins of the Mughal-era mosque. It included whether the mosque was constructed over ruins, the name of the landowner at the time, and the documents that granted ownership rights.
To which, the Archaeological Survey of India said, “No such information is available in this office.”
Responding to queries about the nature of the structures at the site when it was first taken under protection, any additions made thereafter, and previous disputes linked to the mosque, the ASI stated that no such details were available in its records.
The ASI also said that it does not have records about the nature of the constructions or whether any new structures were added afterwards or any disputes linked to the mosque.
During the first appeal proceedings, the Archaeological Survey of India highlighted an incident that happened in 2018, saying that no new construction is allowed within the protected area of a centrally protected monument.
However, during the first appeal proceedings, the Archaeological Survey of India pointed to an incident in 2018, stating that no new construction is permitted within the protected area of a centrally protected monument. It disclosed that an “illegal” steel railing was being erected at the Jama Masjid site that year and that the department had issued orders to stop the work.
It further said that an “illegal” steel railing was being installed at the Jama Masjid site that year and orders were issued to stop the work.
In that appeal, the applicant also asked about the period of construction of the mosque. To which ASI replied, “Jama Masjid Sambhal was constructed in the year 1526.”
When asked about the structure name earlier, the agency said the mosque was protected under the same name, and on the present status, the agency said, “At present, it exists as a mosque.”
The Sambhal Jama Masjid has been wrapped in controversy over its history after the petition that claimed that mosque was built over an ancient Hindu temple. During the ASI survey on November 24, 2024, riots unfolded, killing at least four people.
