Sambhal CJM Changed Again: Judge Who Ordered Mosque Survey Returns to Original Post
In a significant judicial development, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) position in Sambhal has witnessed its second change within just three days. Aditya Singh, who had been appointed as the new CJM, has now been transferred back to his original posting as Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Sambhal.
Background of the Controversial Survey Order
Aditya Singh had previously served as Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Sambhal when he issued a controversial order on November 19, 2024. This order authorized a survey of the historic Sambhal Jama Masjid, which subsequently triggered violent clashes in the region during November 2024. The survey was initiated based on a petition alleging that a temple had been demolished to construct the mosque back in 1526.
The mosque committee strongly contested this survey order, arguing that it was passed hastily without providing them an adequate opportunity to present their case. Remarkably, the first round of the survey was conducted on the very same day the order was issued, adding to the controversy surrounding the judicial decision.
Previous CJM Transfer and Lawyer Protests
This latest transfer comes after the Allahabad High Court had earlier transferred the previous CJM, Vibhanshu Sudheer, from Sambhal to Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Sultanpur. Sudheer had gained attention for ordering the lodging of an FIR against police officers in connection with the November 2024 violence, specifically concerning the death of a local youth named Alam during the shooting incidents.
Police authorities maintain that Alam was not killed by their bullets, creating a contentious backdrop to Sudheer's judicial actions. The transfer of Sudheer and his subsequent replacement by Aditya Singh had sparked protests among lawyers at the district court, highlighting the sensitive nature of these judicial appointments in Sambhal.
New Appointment and Broader Judicial Reshuffle
With Aditya Singh returning to his original position, the new CJM of Sambhal has been appointed as Deepak Kumar Jaiswal, who currently serves as the CJM of Kaushambi district. This appointment is part of a broader notification issued by the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court on Thursday night, which detailed postings and transfers affecting 344 judicial officers across the region.
Interestingly, the notification reveals that several other judicial officers besides Aditya Singh have also been retransferred within just three days of the initial shuffle that occurred on January 20, indicating a period of significant judicial reorganization in Uttar Pradesh.
Historical Significance of Sambhal Jama Masjid
The Sambhal Jama Masjid holds particular historical importance as it is considered the only known Babar-era mosque surviving in Uttar Pradesh following the demolition of the Babri Masjid. This historical context adds layers of sensitivity to any judicial proceedings involving the mosque, making the survey order and subsequent judicial transfers particularly noteworthy in the state's legal and cultural landscape.
The rapid changes in judicial leadership in Sambhal reflect the complex interplay between legal procedures, historical preservation concerns, and community sensitivities in Uttar Pradesh's judicial administration.
