SC Allows Sambhal Mosque's Restoration Work

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to interfere with an Allahabad high court order directing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out whitewashing work for the exterior of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal and that the mosque committee should reimburse expenses for such work.

- Agencies

NEW DELHI:

A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar dismissed the plea, which contended that the high court committed an error in law by permitting the ASI to recover expenditures incurred from the mosque committee.

The high court, by its order in March, directed ASI to undertake whitewashing work within a week on the outer part of the Sambhal Jama Masjid, where flaking is seen and whitewashing is required.

The apex court was hearing an appeal against the high court order filed by Satish Kumar Aggarwal, which said a suit pertaining to the disputed structure is pending sub-judice.