The next hearing date in a lawsuit involving the Shahi Jama Masjid from the Mughal Empire and its survey in Chandausi has been set for March 5 by a local court.

“Until additional rulings are issued, the Supreme Court has instructed all subordinate courts not to consider new claims requesting inspections of any institution of worship. Shakil Ahmad Wari, a counsel for the Muslim side, told reporters, “We have submitted a copy of the aforementioned order to the court, which has set March 5 as the next hearing date.”

Wari said that the court should make the final decision about the Hindu side’s allegations that the mosque was constructed atop an antique Harihar temple.

“We will demonstrate in court that it was a Jama Masjid and not a Harihar shrine. “We have all the proof,” he said.

Since November 19 of last year, when a court-mandated study of the Shahi Jama Masjid was initiated in response to allegations that a Harihar temple had existed on the property, tensions in Sambhal have increased.

On November 24, during the second survey, demonstrators and security personnel battled, turning the situation violent.

Four people were killed and several more were wounded in the subsequent stone-throwing and arson.