Bulldozer action against illegal mosque in Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh)

Allahabad High Court dismisses Muslims’ petition

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) – The Allahabad High Court has rejected a petition to stay the action against a mosque built on the Government land in Sambhal District of the State. Due to this, action will now be taken against the mosque using bulldozer. The said mosque is located in Raya Buzurg village in Asmoli area. It was built about 10 years ago on the land of a Government lake by Minzar Hussain, who is the Maulana (Islamic scholar) and Mutawalli (manager) of this mosque.

The mosque was discovered during a Government land survey in the District. After that, legal action was initiated. On October 2^nd, the marriage hall built near the mosque was demolished under the leadership of the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police. When the demolition of the mosque was to start, the Muslims asked for a 4-day deadline so that they could remove it themselves. The administration granted the deadline and on the same day, the Muslims started demolishing the outer wall of the mosque. The next day, Mutawalli Minzar Hussain filed an urgent petition in the High Court seeking a stay on the demolition of the mosque; but the High Court rejected it.

Editorial Perspective

In Uttar Pradesh, on the orders of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, unauthorized constructions on Government land are being surveyed and demolished. Similar surveys need to be conducted across the country, and they need to be demolished. If Yogi Adityanath can do it, why can’t other States follow ?