Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has refused to grant a stay on the demolition of a mosque located in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh. Authorities claim the structure stands on government land, while local residents and the mosque committee argue it has served the community for decades.
The petitioners sought legal protection from the court, stating that the mosque was built long ago and functions as a place of worship for hundreds of Muslims in the area. They requested time for a review of land ownership documents and urged the court to prevent immediate action by the district administration.
The court, however, observed that the structure was built on public land without official authorization. It ruled that such encroachments, regardless of their religious nature, are subject to removal under state law. No interim protection was granted.
The decision has alarmed community members and human rights advocates, who view it as another instance of growing pressure on Muslim places of worship in Uttar Pradesh. Activists have called for transparency in land record verification and a fairer process to protect long-standing religious structures.
Legal experts say the case underscores the need to balance administrative control over public land with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. The mosque committee is considering an appeal.
