The Jamia Masjid Committee in Sambhal, led by its president Zafar Ali, has sent a letter to the Archaeological Survey of India's Meerut Range, requesting permission for the painting and decoration of the mosque as Ramadan begins. The mosque is a protected monument as per the Archaeological Department, and the committee seeks to have the work carried out under the supervision of the ASI. The need for this request arises from previous works being rendered ineffective due to rain and dust last year, and the committee is emphasizing the importance of following proper procedures and supervision for conservation efforts.

Last year, the issue escalated when the administration did not grant permission for the work, leading the mosque committee to approach the High Court. Following a court ruling, the ASI oversaw the necessary repairs. The committee notes that this year's plea is also backdropped by past incidents of conflict regarding the site, including claims that the mosque stands on the site of the historical Harihar Temple, which led to violence in November 2024. This history adds layers of complexity and significance to the current request, as legal and community tensions surrounding the mosque's status remain high.

The committee references the High Court's directive aimed at ensuring any restoration works are legally compliant and archaeologically sound. By appealing to the court's previous orders, they aim to mitigate any administrative hurdles that may arise again, ensuring that the work can proceed smoothly this time, in light of the upcoming Ramadan, a month of heightened communal and religious activities at the mosque.