The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday rejected an appeal challenging the partial demolition of the Ujjain Shahi Masjid as part of a road-widening project ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh. The court was hearing a challenge against an earlier order permitting the removal of a portion of the mosque after a settlement was reached between the mosque administration and the Ujjain Municipal Corporation.
A Bench comprising Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Jai Kumar Pillai said, "The matter was already settled between the appellant and the corporation, details of which are not available to the court," Live Law reported.
The court also observed that the assurances given by the Municipal Corporation in its reply and notices would be binding on the civic body.
Clashes Breaks Out During Demolition Work
On Monday, clashes broke out between police and a crowd protesting against the proposed demolition of a portion of the mosque for the road-widening project.
Police used tear gas and resorted to a baton charge to disperse the crowd after incidents of stone-pelting were reported at the site. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were also deployed as security was stepped up.
The clashes began in the morning when a large group of people confronted police at the site where the portion of the mosque was scheduled to be removed.
More than 2,500 police personnel and officers were deployed across Ujjain, while Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma was present at the spot. An alert was also issued across the city.
District Collector Raushan Kumar said the portion of the Shahi Masjid at Kshatriya Chowk that falls within the road-widening zone was being removed voluntarily by members of the community and the religious group associated with it. He urged people not to pay heed to rumours or misinformation.
Kumar said the cooperation of individuals, religious groups and communities in the road-widening initiative was a positive aspect of the ongoing work.
Ujjain City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman appealed to members of the Muslim community to maintain peace and avoid unnecessary gatherings in markets or travelling towards the area amid the developments.
He also urged people to allow the agreed-upon work to continue and not act on rumours.
Why Is a Portion of the Mosque Being Removed?
The road-widening project is part of a broader infrastructure drive in Ujjain ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Mela, which is expected to draw a large number of pilgrims to the city.
The Ujjain Municipal Corporation plans to widen the road to 15 metres, with a portion of the Shahi Masjid falling within the proposed alignment. The project does not involve the demolition of the entire mosque.
The Shahi Masjid is located at Chatri Chowk, near Gopal Mandir, in Ujjain's old market area. The road connects Kanthal Chouraha with Gopal Mandir and also provides access towards the Mahakaleshwar Temple and the Kshipra River.
The mosque management has cited records indicating that the structure is more than 100 years old.
While hearing the challenge filed by the mosque management, the Madhya Pradesh High Court noted that the mosque is located almost opposite the Mahakaleshwar Temple and close to the Kshipra River. The road is also used during religious processions, including the Shahi Sawari and Peshwai, and is expected to witness heavy movement during the 2028 Simhastha.
According to the court record, the proposed removal affects a portion of the mosque's prayer hall, or Jamat Khana, a 120-foot-high minaret and the Mazhar Chouk Shahi.
The mosque is registered as a Waqf property, and its management had challenged the municipal notices before the court.
Simhastha Kumbh 2028
Ujjain hosts the Simhastha Kumbh every 12 years. With the 2028 edition expected to attract crores of devotees, the administration has undertaken several infrastructure projects, including road widening.
According to The Economic Times, authorities have identified 272 structures affected by the road-widening project. The project covers a stretch of approximately 730 metres and involves widening the existing road to 15 metres. Around Rs 9.80 crore has been sanctioned for the work.