The Madhya Pradesh High Court has disposed of a petition challenging a notice issued for demolishing a portion of the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain. The demolition is underway, leading to violent protests.
On Monday, the Madhya Pradesh High Court disposed of a petition filed by a mosque committee in Ujjain challenging a notice issued by the municipal corporation for the removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid. The court's decision came after a settlement was reached between the Shahi Masjid Waqf Panch Mochiyan and the Ujjain Municipal Corporation, although the details of the settlement remain undisclosed.
The demolition of part of the mosque has commenced, according to police reports. The road widening project is being carried out ahead of the Hindu religious gathering called Simhastha, scheduled for March 2028, which takes place every 12 years on the banks of the Kshipra River.
On Monday morning, violence erupted near the Shahi Masjid as police fired tear gas at Muslim residents protesting against the demolition notice. The protesters retaliated by throwing stones at police personnel during the clashes. A sit-in protest against the proposal had begun at the Shahi Masjid on Sunday, with some demonstrators staying inside the premises overnight to prevent the removal.
Fifteen persons have been detained and seven others were booked, according to the police. Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma initially stated that the police were attempting to resolve the matter through dialogue, but later confirmed that the removal of the portion was continuing with the consent of the mosque committee.
Ujjain Qazi or religious leader Khalil Quresh Rehman who was involved in the discussions with the administration stated that the matter had been resolved on Sunday night. He also urged the residents to avoid the site and disregard rumors. Sharma added that the police were monitoring social media, and action would be taken against those posting 'provocative material'.
Source:
Scroll.in
