Ujjain Shahi Masjid Row: MP High Court Allows Partial Demolition For Simhastha 2028 Road Widening; Community Agrees To Remove Encroaching Portion Amid Protests

NOB_Ujjain/Indore: The historic Shahi Masjid in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain became the centre of tension on Monday as the district administration began partial demolition work as part of road widening for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028, even as the Madhya Pradesh High Court disposed of petitions challenging the action after an amicable settlement.

What is the issue?
The dispute is over a 900-metre stretch from Kanthal Square to Gopal Mandir which is being widened to 15 metres under the Ujjain Development Plan 2035. The project is crucial for handling lakhs of pilgrims during Simhastha 2028. Officials said about 60 to 80 religious structures, including 10 temples, on this route have already been cleared. The Shahi Masjid, a century-old mosque, and a nearby mazar near Khade Hanuman Mandir fall within the alignment.

The Ujjain Municipal Corporation issued notices to remove a portion measuring approximately 9 feet by 4 feet, including part of the Jamaat Khana prayer hall, a 120-foot minaret base and Mazhar Chowk.

Community’s argument:
The Shahi Masjid Waqf Panchayat Mochiyan approached the High Court stating the mosque is a heritage structure dating back over a century, with records from Scindia rule and a 1985 government gazette establishing its protected status. They claimed land was already surrendered in 1975 for traffic movement and demolition would violate Articles 14, 25 and 26.

High Court Orders:
On September 9, Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt of Indore Bench dismissed the petitions, holding that ensuring transport and security for millions of pilgrims is essential public interest and the corporation is not acting discriminatorily.

On Monday, September 28, a division bench of Justices Subodh Abhyankar and Jai Kumar Pillai disposed of two writ appeals after the civic body and mosque committee informed the court that a settlement was reached. The court recorded that less than 10 percent of the mosque premises will be affected and the community itself will carry out the removal.

Protests on ground:
Despite the settlement announced by City Qazi Khali Kurre Rahman in a video appeal on Monday morning, a large crowd gathered at the site following rumours on social media. Protesters attempted to break barricades and pelted stones at police. Police resorted to tear gas shells to disperse the mob. Around 2,500 police personnel and heavy earthmoving machines were deployed.

District Collector Roshan Singh and SP Pradeep Sharma said the situation is now under control and removal work is progressing with community consent under a security perimeter. Both administration and community leaders have appealed to residents not to spread unverified information.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi objected to the demolition and urged the state government to respect sentiments.