Shahi Masjid Case Settled: Committee Agrees to 3-Foot Encroachment Removal
The MP High Court disposed of the Shahi Masjid case after the committee agreed to clear a 3-foot encroachment following a settlement with the administration.
In a significant turn of events for the long-standing Shahi Masjid dispute in Ujjain, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has disposed of the ongoing petition. This decision follows a successful compromise reached between the Shahi Masjid Committee and the state administration, effectively ending the legal battle over the mosque's structure.
The Terms of the Settlement
The resolution came after an appeal was filed by the Shahi Masjid Committee against a previous single-bench order that had dismissed their plea. The division bench, consisting of Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Jaykumar Pillai, heard the matter and facilitated the disposal of the case based on the mutual agreement.
According to Kuldeep Pathak, the advocate representing the Shahi Masjid Committee, the administration had initially sought a 9.5-foot space for road-widening purposes. However, through intensive discussions, a middle ground was found:
- Encroachment Removal: The committee has officially agreed to clear a 3-foot portion of the structure. Demolition work to facilitate this is reportedly already underway.
- Compensation and FAR: The administration has committed to providing alternative arrangements for the shops being removed, which includes extra Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
- Financial Redress: Compensation will be provided to those affected, following standard acquisition norms.
- Minaret Relocation: In a significant concession, the administration has agreed to shift the mosque's minaret to a different location within the mosque complex.
The High Court has issued strict directions to both the administration and the committee to ensure that all terms and affidavits submitted during the settlement are followed precisely.
Tensions and Clashes Prior to the Deal
The legal resolution follows a period of intense volatility on the ground. Earlier today, the area surrounding the Shahi Masjid witnessed significant unrest as protesters gathered to oppose the proposed demolition intended for road-widening projects related to the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh preparations.
The situation escalated into violent clashes between the police and the crowd. Reports indicated incidents of stone-pelting, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse the protesters. To maintain order, the authorities deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and a massive security contingent of over 2,500 police personnel. Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma was present on-site to manage the escalating tension.
Official Stance on the Road-Widening Project
Despite the chaos, District Collector Raushan Kumar sought to calm the public, stating that the removal of the portion of the Shahi Masjid located at Kshatriya Chowk was being handled voluntarily by members of the religious community. He urged citizens to ignore misinformation and highlighted the cooperation between religious groups and the administration as a positive step for the city's development initiatives.