The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench on Monday disposed of two appeals concerning the proposed removal of a portion of Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project, after the mosque-side petitioners informed the court that a settlement had been reached with the Ujjain Municipal Corporation.
A division bench comprising Justices Subodh Abhyankar and Jai Kumar Pillai took note of the settlement and disposed of the appeals. The development came on a day when tension was reported around the mosque as authorities proceeded with the road-widening exercise.
The latest court proceedings follow an earlier order of the High Court that had rejected challenges to the proposed removal of portions of the religious structure.
Court Takes Note Of Settlement
The appeals were filed against an earlier decision concerning the UMC’s plan to remove the section of the Shahi Masjid that falls within the proposed road alignment.
During Monday’s hearing, the petitioners informed the division bench that an agreement had been reached with the municipal corporation. The court consequently disposed of the appeals in view of the settlement.
The court also noted that the assurances given by the civic body would remain binding on it.
The development effectively closes the latest round of litigation before the division bench concerning the proposed removal, although the issue has already triggered protests and heightened security in the area.
Why Is A Portion Of The Mosque Being Removed?
The dispute is linked to a road-widening project in the old city area of Ujjain. The portion of the Shahi Masjid that falls within the planned alignment is proposed to be removed as authorities work towards widening the road to 15 metres.
The project is part of wider infrastructure preparations for Simhastha 2028, when Ujjain is expected to receive large numbers of pilgrims and visitors.
In its earlier September 9 ruling, the High Court had dismissed petitions challenging the Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s action. The court had accepted the civic body’s argument that the road-widening work was required for traffic management and public safety during the major religious gathering.
Earlier Court Ruling On Religious Structures
The September 9 order dealt with challenges to notices issued for the removal of portions of the Shahi Masjid.
The petitioners had argued that the action affected their constitutional rights, including protections under Articles 14, 25 and 26, as well as property rights under Article 300A.
The High Court, however, found that the municipal corporation had followed the required legal process and had considered the objections raised by the petitioners.
The court also noted that the road-widening exercise involved other religious structures. It recorded that portions of 10 temples and one mosque had already been removed along the same road and that action had been taken against constructions involving around 80 religious places in Ujjain.
Tension Erupts During Road-Widening Work
The legal development came amid tension at the Shahi Masjid on Monday.
Members of the Muslim community had gathered at the site to oppose the proposed removal. As municipal teams began the process, clashes were reported between protesters and police.
Reports said stones were allegedly thrown at security personnel, following which police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
A heavy police presence, including Rapid Action Force personnel, was deployed around the area as authorities attempted to control the situation.
Simhastha 2028 At Centre Of Road Project
The road-widening work is connected to preparations for Simhastha 2028, a major religious gathering held in Ujjain.
Authorities have cited expected crowds, traffic movement and public safety as reasons for improving road infrastructure in the city.
The route around the Gopal Mandir and Mahakaleshwar Temple areas is particularly important because large numbers of devotees are expected to use it during major religious events.
The High Court had earlier observed that the proposed road improvement was linked to the need to manage the movement of large crowds during Simhastha.
Latest Position After Monday’s Hearing
With the division bench disposing of the appeals after being informed about the settlement, the latest court proceedings have ended with the civic body’s assurances being taken on record.
The dispute, however, has also become a law-and-order issue following protests and clashes at the site. Authorities have stepped up security in the area as the road-widening work continues.
The Shahi Masjid case is now closely linked to Ujjain’s broader preparations for Simhastha 2028 and the ongoing implementation of the city’s road and infrastructure plans.
