Acting on the directives of the Allahabad High Court, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team visited the historic Jama Masjid on Thursday to assess the site for whitewashing and decoration ahead of the holy month of Ramzan.
The court’s intervention came after the Jama Masjid Committee filed a petition seeking permission for whitewashing and decoration, a tradition that has been followed every year during Ramzan. However, this year, the local administration denied the request, prompting the mosque committee to approach the High Court.
During the initial hearing, the High Court directed the ASI to conduct a site inspection and submit a report on the condition of the mosque. In its report, the ASI stated that there was no need for whitewashing, and only cleaning work could be done. However, after hearing the arguments presented by the mosque committee, the court ordered the whitewashing and decoration of the mosque, with the condition that the process would be carried out under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.
On Thursday, the ASI team arrived at the mosque for measurements and assessment. Jama Masjid Committee office bearer, Advocate Zafar Ali, stated that the team will identify the specific areas where whitewashing is required. If the team provides instructions by today, the work will begin immediately. Otherwise, the whitewashing process will commence from Monday.
“After the whitewashing is done, the decoration work will also be carried out as part of our tradition during Ramzan,” said Zafar Ali. The mosque committee revealed that every year, the mosque is whitewashed and decorated before the holy month of Ramzan. However, this year, the local administration refused to grant permission for the same, leading to legal action.
The High Court, after reviewing the ASI report and hearing the arguments from the mosque committee, granted permission for the whitewashing and decoration of the mosque. However, the court instructed that the entire process would be monitored by the ASI to ensure that no structural or historical damage is caused to the heritage site.
The ASI’s role will be crucial in determining the extent of whitewashing and decoration. The team will assess the condition of the walls and other structures and specify the areas that can be whitewashed. The mosque committee expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision and assured full cooperation with the Archaeological Survey of India team.
This decision comes as a relief to the Muslim community, as the beautification of the mosque ahead of Ramzan holds great religious and cultural significance. The mosque committee hopes that the whitewashing and decoration will be completed before the start of the holy month.