The survey was ordered to investigate claims that a Hindu temple had existed at the site before the mosque was built in 1526.

In Sambhal, violence erupted during a survey of Shahi Jama Masjid, claimed to be a temple by advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain. Police intervened using tear gas after a group attacked the survey team.

The survey was conducted on the order of a local court in connection with a petition which claimed that the mosque was built on the ruins of the Harihar temple.

Stone pelting erupted in Sambhal after a court-ordered survey at Shahi Jama Masjid, following claims it was an ancient temple.