Sehore, Madhya Pradesh: Authorities in Sehore district partially demolished the home of Jabbar Khan and his wife Tahira Khan on September 15, defying explicit directions from the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court of India against such actions without due process.
The case began on August 17 when members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal allegedly stormed the Khan residence during a prayer gathering, accusing the family of religious conversion. Jabbar Khan was arrested under the state’s anti-conversion law the same day.
A day later, the Sehore Nagar Palika Parishad served a one-day notice demanding building papers. When Jabbar’s son Imroz requested 15 days due to his father’s incarceration, authorities instead issued fresh notices accusing the family of “unauthorized construction linked to conversion activities.”
Challenging the notices, Imroz moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which on September 12 directed officials to follow Supreme Court guidelines issued in November 2024. These guidelines prohibit punitive demolitions without a fair hearing, detailed orders, and judicial oversight. The Supreme Court had also warned that violations would invite contempt proceedings and personal liability for officials.
Despite these safeguards, the demolition went ahead on September 15 while Jabbar remained in jail. Rights groups have described such actions as part of a broader trend of demolitions disproportionately affecting Muslim families, raising concerns over constitutional protections. The United Christian Forum has urged authorities to ensure justice for the Khans.
