Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has refused to grant interim relief to stop the partial demolition of Mancha Masjid, a 400-year-old mosque located near Gheekanta in Ahmedabad. The ruling, delivered on October 3, followed an urgent plea by the mosque management committee seeking protection for the structure due to its heritage and religious value.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) began demolishing parts of the mosque, claiming they encroached on public land. The petitioners argued that the action disregarded the historical and cultural significance of the site, which has served as a place of worship for centuries. Despite these appeals, the court allowed the partial demolition to continue.
Community leaders expressed disappointment, saying that the authorities had failed to engage in dialogue with mosque representatives or heritage experts. “We are not against civic regulations, but faith monuments should be treated with respect,” said a local resident.
Civil society groups criticized the lack of transparency and raised concerns about the selective enforcement of demolition drives. Legal observers said the case highlights the need for stronger heritage protection mechanisms for religious structures.
The Mancha Masjid, known for its old-world architectural style, is among several historic mosques in Ahmedabad that face threats from urban development projects. The community has urged the state government to intervene and ensure that religious heritage is preserved alongside modernization efforts.
