The process of voluntarily removing a portion of Ujjain’s historic Shahi Masjid to facilitate a road-widening project is set to continue after the mosque committee and the local administration reached an understanding to carry out the work peacefully.
The development comes a day after tension was reported near the mosque in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, where a crowd protesting the proposed removal of a portion of the structure clashed with police and allegedly pelted stones. Police used tear gas and mild force to disperse the crowd, while additional security personnel were deployed in the area.
According to Fahim Sikandar, a member of the Numainda Committee associated with the mosque management, discussions were held between the local administration, the Shahar Qazi and representatives of the mosque committee. Following the discussions, an agreement was reached for the affected portion of the mosque to be removed voluntarily.
Sikandar said the Muslim community respects the road-widening project being carried out in preparation for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain. He said the community was cooperating with the administration in removing the section of the mosque that falls within the proposed road alignment.
The dispute is linked to a road-widening plan in the area around the Shahi Masjid. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation is widening the road to improve traffic movement ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, one of the major religious gatherings held in the city.
The affected portion of the mosque lies within the proposed alignment of the road. The civic authorities had issued notices concerning removal of the section required for the widening work. The matter had also reached the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
On September 28, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court disposed of an appeal after being informed that a settlement had been reached between the authorised mosque committee and the Ujjain Municipal Corporation. The court recorded that the assurances given by the municipal corporation in its reply and the relevant notice would remain binding on the corporation.
The settlement came amid heightened tension at the site. According to reports, some members of the Muslim community had gathered near the mosque after concerns arose over the proposed removal. The situation became tense on Monday when protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, following which police used tear gas and mild force to disperse the crowd.
Police officials said security arrangements were strengthened around the religious structure to prevent further disturbance. Reports said several people were detained and cases were registered in connection with the violence. The police maintained that the situation was subsequently brought under control.
Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said the removal work had been initiated by members of the mosque committee themselves and that community leaders were helping maintain peace. District officials also appealed to people not to believe rumours or unverified information concerning the demolition and road-widening process.
Fahim Sikandar said the mosque committee had initially sought to protect as much of the religious structure as possible. However, after discussions among community representatives and the administration, the committee decided to remove the portion that falls within the road-widening alignment.
He said the administration had initially not brought machinery to the site and that community members themselves had begun removing the affected portion of the mosque wall. According to Sikandar, the exact extent of the portion to be removed was still under discussion, with estimates ranging from approximately three to eight feet of the wall.
The work is expected to take several days. Sikandar said the removal process could take around seven to eight days and that machinery would be used if required. Safety arrangements are also expected to remain in place during the work.
The road-widening project is part of preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain. The city is expected to witness a substantial increase in the movement of pilgrims and visitors during the event, and authorities have been undertaking infrastructure and traffic-related works in preparation.
The Shahi Masjid issue became particularly sensitive because the proposed road alignment affects a portion of a religious structure. Members of the Muslim community had earlier raised objections and sought alternatives to removing part of the mosque. The matter was subsequently considered by the courts.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench had earlier dealt with petitions challenging the municipal corporation’s action. The legal proceedings focused on the authority of the civic body to proceed with the road-widening project and the proposed removal of the affected portion.
The latest court proceedings did not result in a fresh order stopping the voluntary removal process. Instead, the Division Bench took note of the settlement reached between the mosque’s authorised administrative committee and the municipal corporation and disposed of the appeal. The court also clarified that the assurances given by the corporation would be binding on it.
The latest development has therefore shifted the situation from a direct confrontation over the proposed removal to a process in which representatives of the mosque committee are themselves undertaking the work. The committee has said that the decision was taken after discussions with senior members and the administration.
The events also highlight the importance of maintaining law and order while infrastructure work is carried out near religious sites. Following Monday’s tension, police and district authorities have increased security around the area and appealed to residents and visitors to maintain peace.
Officials have said that the road-widening work is being carried out as part of preparations for Simhastha 2028. The administration has also emphasised that people should rely on official information and avoid spreading rumours that could create further tension.
The mosque committee has similarly appealed for the process to proceed peacefully. Its representative said the community respects the infrastructure project and will cooperate with the authorities while ensuring that the affected portion is removed in an orderly manner.
For now, the voluntary removal of the affected section of the Shahi Masjid is scheduled to continue. The extent of the portion ultimately removed and the duration of the work will depend on the implementation of the agreement and the requirements of the road-widening project.
The immediate focus remains on completing the work without further disruption and maintaining peace in the surrounding area. The High Court’s order recording the settlement and the administration’s security arrangements provide the current framework under which the work is proceeding.
The situation remains closely watched because of the recent clashes and the sensitivity surrounding the religious structure. However, the mosque committee and local administration have publicly indicated that the removal process will proceed through cooperation rather than confrontation.
Three Line Content:
The voluntary removal of a portion of Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project will continue after the mosque committee reached an understanding with the local administration.
The decision follows Monday’s tension and stone-pelting, after which police used tear gas and mild force to disperse a crowd.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken note of the settlement between the mosque committee and Ujjain Municipal Corporation, with the agreed assurances made binding on the civic body.
