UP Case Against Sambhal Mosque Committee Over Land Survey

Sambhal Mosque Survey: Case Filed Against Committee After Records Find Graveyard Land Claim

A legal battle has started in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, over a mosque built on land marked as a graveyard. A government survey found the structure occupies land meant for burials. Police have now filed a criminal case against seven members of the mosque’s management committee.

The state claims the group used forged documents to register the site with the WAQF Board. This case highlights growing tensions over land records and religious property rights in the region.

Uncovering the Dispute in Kaserua Village

The trouble began in Kaserua village during a routine land check. A local revenue officer, Khabar Hussain, filed a formal complaint after reviewing official records. These records show the land is strictly a graveyard; however, a mosque now stands on that same spot. Authorities say this is a clear case of illegal construction and criminal trespass. 

The police named seven men in the case: Zakir Hussain, Taslim, Bhure Ali, and others. Officials say these men lied to the Central Waqf Board in 2023 and kept it secret that the land was a graveyard to get a religious registration. Now, they face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for fraud and damaging public property. The government insists that burial land cannot be turned into a building.

What Happens to the "Waqf by User" Status Under New Legal Scrutiny?

In the past, if a place was used for worship for a long time, it could be called Waqf land. However, the law is changing in 2026. The government now values original land records more than religious claims.

In Sambhal, the graveyard record is much older than the mosque's 2023 registration. Under the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, a graveyard is "public utility land." This means a committee cannot change its use on its own. Even a certificate from the Waqf Board might not protect it if the original records say something else.

In the next six months, this case will likely impact other religious sites. We expect a major showdown between revenue records and Waqf certificates. Courts will have to decide which document is more important. For local communities, this could lead to more inspections. Many old structures may face legal challenges if their titles do not match the old government surveys.