Shahi Masjid committee removes portion amid calm as High Court approves compromise
Shahi Masjid committee removes portion amid calm as High Court approves compromise
M.U.H
29/09/202611
Complete calm prevailed at the Shahi Masjid site in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, as the Shahi Masjid Committee began removing a portion of the structure affected by a road-widening project, District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh said on Tuesday.
“Complete calm prevails at the site. The members of the Shahi Masjid Committee are themselves removing the portion of the structure affected by the road-widening project. Yesterday, some individuals attempted to create an unpleasant situation, and the strictest possible action is being taken against them,” Roshan Kumar Singh stated.
The operation follows clashes on Monday between police and a crowd at the site where stone pelting incidents occurred. Police responded with tear gas and a baton charge, and the Rapid Action Force was deployed to strengthen security. Over 2,500 police personnel, including Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma, were stationed in Ujjain amid heightened tensions and an alert across the city.
Iron scaffolding has been erected around the mosque, and police conducted mounted patrols. Nearby shops were cleared under police supervision in preparation for the removal work.
The affected portion of the Shahi Masjid lies within the road-widening zone near Kshatriya Chowk, part of infrastructure upgrades ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh. District Collector Singh emphasised that the removal was voluntary and undertaken by members of the mosque’s community and religious groups. He urged the public not to heed rumours or misinformation and highlighted the voluntary cooperation as a positive development.
In a related judicial development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court disposed of a petition concerning the dispute after a compromise was reached between the Shahi Masjid Committee and the state administration. Kuldeep Pathak, advocate for the committee, explained that an appeal before the division bench, comprising Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Jaykumar Pillai, was heard following a single bench’s dismissal of the earlier plea.
“The administration was demanding 9.5 feet of space. However, following discussions, a compromise has been reached between the committee and the administration,” Pathak said.
Under the compromise, the committee agreed to clear a three-foot portion of the structure and has already begun demolition. The administration agreed to provide alternative arrangements for the displaced shops, including additional Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.), compensation according to standard acquisition norms, and relocating the minaret to another location within the mosque complex.
The High Court directed both parties to strictly adhere to the terms and affidavits concerning the settlement.
