NEW DELHI, July 5 -- A Chandausi court in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district on Thursday has scheduled a hearing on July 21 to consider a plea seeking a ban on offering namaz at the Shahi Jama Masjid, a site claimed by Hindu petitioners to be the ancient Harihar Temple.

The application, filed by Simran Gupta, argues that since the religious character of the site is under judicial examination, all religious activity-including Islamic prayers-should be suspended until a final ruling is made. The plea contends that Muslims are being allowed to pray at the mosque, while Hindus are barred from worship at the site, and demands equal restriction.

The petitioner also requested that the mosque premises be sealed and handed over to the custody of t...