Prayagraj, Jun 12 The Allahabad High Court has stayed the proceedings in a criminal case against 22 accused in connection with the November 2024 violent protests against the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal.
Justice Vani Ranjan Agrawal was hearing a plea filed by the 22 accused seeking quashing of the entire proceedings arising out of the case.
The case was registered at the Kotwali police station based on a complaint by a sub-inspector. The accused have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and the Arms Act.
In its order dated June 8, the court directed the state government and other respondents to file their replies and listed the case after four weeks.
The accused persons had filed the application under Section 528 (inherent powers of high court) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The accused had also challenged cognisance orders dated February 20, 2025, and May 15, 2025, whereby charges were framed in the court of additional sessions judge in Chandausi, Sambhal.
During the court proceedings, the counsel for the accused submitted that the impugned (under challenge) order, whereby charges have been framed against the applicants, was passed without properly considering the facts and circumstances of the case, as well as the settled position of law.
It was further submitted that the First Information Report (FIR) dated November 24, 2024, was lodged on the basis of false and frivolous allegations with an ulterior motive and only to harass the accused.
The counsel further contended that the names of the accused persons surfaced on the basis of certain videos. There is no electronic evidence available to establish the identity of the present applicants or to demonstrate their involvement in the commission of the alleged offences.
The counsel said that in a similar case, a co-ordinate bench of this court, by an order dated May 13, 2026, has stayed the further proceedings in the case of four of the accused.
After hearing both sides, the court said prima facie, the matter requires consideration and stayed the proceedings in the case.
In 2024, a local court had ordered the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on a suit by a Hindu devotee alleging that it was built at the site of an ancient Harihar temple.
During the second round of the survey, a group of people opposing the survey turned violent and clashed with security personnel, which led to the death of four people and injuries to dozens. Twelve FIRs were registered in connection with the violence.
