Aligarh, 3 March. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made its stand clear amid the ongoing historical and legal dispute regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid located in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. In response to the information sought through RTI, ASI has said that there is no such record in its available records which can prove that the mosque was built by demolishing any ancient structure or it was constructed on vacant land.

Information sought through RTI revealed

This information came to light during the hearing held before the Central Information Commission. In the RTI application, information was sought about the circumstances of the construction of the mosque, the owner of the land at that time and documents.

RTI application and asi answer to

ASI clarified that no such details are available in its records. By filing an application under the Right to Information Act, Satya Prakash Yadav wanted to know the circumstances under which the Jama Masjid was constructed during the Mughal period. Was it built by demolishing an old temple or other structure, or was it constructed on vacant land?

History of the mosque and asi record

Along with this, Satya Prakash had also asked for the name of the actual owner of the land, documents to ownership and proof to the period of construction. ASI in its reply said that no such information is recorded in the records available with it.

However, according to departmental records, the mosque is said to have been constructed in the year 1526. ASI also clarified that this building is protected in the name of Jama Masjid only. His records do not mention that it was previously known by any other name.

Conservation history and current status

According to the department, this building was taken under the ambit of conservation in the year 1920 and since then it is under the supervision of ASI. It still exists as an active mosque and is used by the local community.

Central Information Commission justified ASI’s reply

During the hearing of the case, the Central Information Commission upheld the reply of the ASI and clarified that the responsibility of the public authority under the Right to Information Act is limited only to providing information about the available records. The Commission said that no department can be forced to gather new information or draw conclusions after doing historical research. The records available with the ASI have been given to the applicant and on this basis the appeal was dismissed.

Controversy and vigilance of administration

It is noteworthy that Jama Masjid of Sambhal has been in the news for some time due to historical claims and legal petitions. A petition claimed that the mosque was built on the site of an ancient temple. Incidents of protest and tension were also reported at the local level regarding this claim, after which the administration had to take extra vigilance.

Documentary proof required

However, now it has become clear from the recent reply of ASI that there is no direct document available in the government records to confirm or deny this claim. That is, the department does not have any record which would indicate whether the mosque was built by demolishing any structure or not. In many controversies to history, oral traditions, local legends and claims of different parties often come to the fore. But at the government level, documentary evidence is considered the basis for any conclusion.

What will be the judicial process in future??

Since this issue is to both religious and historical aspects, any statement or document can affect public sentiments. At present, after the reply of ASI and Central Information Commission, the situation is clear that there is no concrete document recorded in the government records to confirmation or denial of the disputed claims. Now if new documents or evidence are presented by any party, then the same will become the subject of consideration in the judicial process.