Tensions Escalate in Ujjain Over Partial Removal of Historic Shahi Masjid
UJJAIN, India —
The development triggered clashes between police and local residents who had gathered near the mosque to oppose the removal. Police used tear gas after protesters allegedly threw stones at security personnel, according to reports.
The dispute centres on a section of the mosque that falls within the proposed alignment of a road being widened to about 15 metres. The project is linked to preparations for Simhastha 2028, a major Hindu religious gathering expected to draw large numbers of pilgrims to Ujjain.
Overnight Protest Turns Into Confrontation
Members of the Muslim community had gathered at the mosque on Sunday and remained there overnight, opposing the proposed removal.
Representatives of the mosque and local administration held discussions during the night in an effort to resolve the standoff. Reports indicated that an understanding had been reached under which members of the community would remove the affected portion themselves.
However, tensions resurfaced on Monday morning when the removal process began. Police and protesters confronted each other, with authorities using tear gas to disperse the crowd after alleged stone-pelting.
Later, Ujjain authorities said a portion of the mosque was being removed voluntarily by members of the community following the overnight understanding.
Dispute Over Road-Widening Project
The controversy is connected to a road-widening project covering a stretch between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir.
The Ujjain Municipal Corporation plans to widen the road to approximately 15 metres to improve traffic movement and infrastructure ahead of Simhastha 2028. Several religious structures along the route have reportedly already been affected by the widening project.
Members of the Muslim community have argued that alternative arrangements should be considered to avoid removing any portion of the mosque. They have questioned whether the road could instead be aligned through structures located opposite the mosque.
The mosque is situated near the Mahakaleshwar Temple and the Kshipra River, an area expected to experience heavy pedestrian and vehicle movement during Simhastha.
Mosque's Historical Status Disputed
The mosque's management has described the Shahi Masjid as an ancient religious structure.
Imam Mohammad Ibrahim has claimed that the mosque dates back to 1390 and is approximately 636 years old. The mosque is also registered as a Waqf property, according to reports.
The proposed removal reportedly affects part of the prayer hall, a section associated with the Mazhar Chowk Shahi and a portion of a 120-foot minaret.
The claim regarding the mosque's 636-year history has been made by its representatives and should therefore be distinguished from independently established historical findings.
High Court Had Earlier Cleared the Way
The dispute had already reached the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
On September 9, a single-judge bench headed by Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt dismissed two petitions challenging the Ujjain Municipal Corporation's decision to remove the portion of the mosque falling within the proposed road alignment.
The petitioners had argued that the proposed action would affect part of the prayer hall, the minaret and other portions of the religious complex. They also raised constitutional and property-rights concerns.
The court, however, held that the municipal authorities had followed the required legal procedure and had provided affected parties an opportunity to raise objections. It also rejected the argument that the mosque was being selectively targeted because it was a religious structure.
According to the court record, portions of 10 temples and one mosque had already been removed along the same road, while action had reportedly been taken concerning construction involving around 80 religious sites elsewhere in Ujjain.
The court also considered the authorities' argument that road widening was necessary to manage traffic and public safety during Simhastha 2028, when very large crowds are expected in the city.
Fresh Court Development
A further legal development took place on Monday.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore Bench disposed of appeals after the petitioners informed the court that a settlement had been reached with the Ujjain Municipal Corporation regarding the removal of obstructions connected with the mosque.
The court disposed of the appeals in light of that settlement.
The development came as tensions were simultaneously unfolding outside the mosque.
Claims About Other Mosques
During the protests, some Muslim representatives expressed concern that action against the Shahi Masjid could have wider implications for other religious structures in Ujjain.
One local religious representative has claimed that as many as 28 other mosques could face similar risks. However, this figure represents an attributed claim rather than an independently confirmed government assessment.
The authorities, meanwhile, have maintained that the road-widening project is part of a broader infrastructure and traffic-management plan rather than an action directed specifically at one religious community.
Wider Debate Over Heritage and Development
The Ujjain dispute has brought renewed attention to the difficult balance between urban infrastructure projects, religious structures and the preservation of historic sites.
For local authorities, the road-widening project is connected to preparations for one of India's largest religious gatherings. For mosque representatives and sections of the local Muslim community, the proposed removal raises questions about the protection of a longstanding place of worship.
The confrontation on Monday has added a new dimension to the dispute, with authorities facing the challenge of maintaining public order while implementing the road project and addressing concerns raised by residents.
As work continues, the Shahi Masjid has become the focal point of a broader debate over development, religious heritage, legal rights and the management of Ujjain's rapidly approaching Simhastha 2028.
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