Madni Masjid Demolished in Uttar Pradesh After Expiry of High Court Stay Order

Authorities Proceed with Demolition Amid Heavy Security

Hata Nagar, Uttar Pradesh – The Uttar Pradesh authorities initiated the demolition of Madni Masjid on Sunday, February 9, after the High Court stay order expired. The demolition was carried out using multiple bulldozers, under the strict supervision of a large police force, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kasya Kundan Singh and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.

Land Encroachment Allegations Led to Demolition

The controversy surrounding Madni Masjid began on December 19, 2024, when local officials, accompanied by a police team, inspected the mosque site following land encroachment allegations.

According to the official survey, the Muslim community had legally purchased a 32-decimal plot 15 years ago. However, the mosque expanded over 30 decimals, with an additional 4 decimals overlapping Nagar Palika land and 1 decimal encroaching on public land.

Failure to Provide Documentation

Following the survey, the district administration issued formal notices to the mosque’s representatives, requesting legal documents and maps validating its construction. The notice provided a 15-day deadline for compliance, warning that failure to submit documents would result in legal action.

However, the mosque representatives did not submit the necessary documentation within the given timeframe. As a result, the authorities proceeded with the demolition after the expiration of the stay order. Officials emphasized that the demolition adhered to legal protocols and was conducted in accordance with the state’s land encroachment regulations.

Madni Masjid’s Legacy and Previous Mosque Demolitions

Madni Masjid had been operational for over two decades, serving as a prominent Islamic teaching center and the zonal office of the Tablighi Jamaat in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The incident follows a similar case in December 2024, when authorities in Fatehpur district demolished a portion of the historic 180-year-old Noori Masjid, citing encroachment issues. The rear portion of Noori Jama Masjid, located in Lalauli town, was bulldozed under heavy police presence as it obstructed the planned widening of State Highway-13 (Banda Bahraich Road).

Public Reactions and Ongoing Discussions

The demolition of Madni Masjid has sparked mixed reactions within the community. While the authorities assert that the demolition was conducted within legal bounds, local Muslim representatives argue that adequate time and consideration should have been given for documentation.

This latest action highlights the continuing disputes over religious structures and land ownership in Uttar Pradesh, with legal battles and government orders shaping the landscape of urban development and religious sites in the state.