Saharanpur: The mosque built inside the Collectorate complex in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh was demolished by the administration in the early hours of Saturday. This action took place following the order of the City Magistrate, in which the mosque was considered an illegal construction on government land. After the appeal filed by the mosque side was also rejected, the administration took action amid heavy security arrangements. During this time, the news of SP MP Kairana Iqra Hasan being placed under house arrest, preventing her from going to Saharanpur, came to light.
After which order did the administration demolish the mosque?
The case regarding the mosque located in the Saharanpur Collectorate complex was going on in the court for a long time. In July 2026, the court of Municipal Magistrate Kuldeep Singh considered it an illegal construction on government land and ordered to vacate the premises within 30 days. The court had also fixed a compensation of more than Rs 6 crore 41 lakh for illegal occupation and use of the land.
Why did the district court reject the petition of the mosque side?
The mosque side had challenged the order of the city magistrate in the district court. On September 2, the court of District Judge Satyendra Kumar upheld the city magistrate’s decision and dismissed the petition. Arguments were made before the court on documents related to land ownership, old revenue records and the history of the mosque. The district court, on the basis of available records, considered the land to be government land and upheld the demolition order given earlier.
What came to light in the court regarding the mosque land?
According to court records, the disputed structure was located on about 315 square meter of land in Khasra No. 539 of the Collectorate complex. The administration’s stand was that this land was registered in the government records in the name of the court and the collectorate. On the other hand, the mosque side placed its claims on the basis of old documents and said that the mosque was in existence for a long time. The court gave its verdict in favour of the administration after examining the arguments of both the parties and examining the available revenue records.
What is the matter of compensation of Rs 6.41 crore?
The city magistrate’s court had imposed a compensation of Rs 6 crore 41 lakh 65 thousand 565 on the parties related to the mosque. It was alleged in the complaint that apart from religious activities, some commercial activities were also being conducted on sensitive government premises like the Collectorate. According to the administration, issues related to running of post office on the campus and use of some rooms were also part of the investigation.
Why was such a large number of police deployed during the demolition?
Security was increased around the Collectorate premises before the action on Saturday morning. According to media reports, the entrances to the complex were controlled and RAF was deployed along with heavy police force. The administration was trying to ensure that the law and order situation does not deteriorate during the demolition. Along with increasing police presence in sensitive areas, people were also appealed not to pay attention to rumours.
Why was Iqra Hasan put under house arrest?
Amid the demolition of the mosque, SP MP from Kairana Iqra Hasan alleged that she was put under house arrest at her residence and prevented from going to Saharanpur. She wanted to reach Saharanpur regarding the matter. According to reports, police force remained deployed outside his residence also. On behalf of the administration, it has been described as an action related to maintaining law and order.
Can the matter move forward even after demolition?
Despite the demolition of the mosque, the dispute does not seem to be ending completely. There has been talk of Congress MP Imran Masood taking the matter to the Supreme Court. The mosque side has already tried to challenge the decisions of the lower court. In such a situation, the next legal phase of this entire matter is being considered important.
