UJJAIN, September 28: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed two petitions challenging the Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s decision to remove a portion of the historic Shahi Masjid at Chatri Chowk as part of a 15-metre road-widening project ahead of Simhastha Kumbh 2028.
The mosque’s Waqf administrators approached the court after the civic body issued notices proposing removal of the portion falling within the proposed road alignment. They argued that the action would affect part of the Jamat Khana (prayer hall), a 120-foot minaret and the Mazhar Chowk Shahi. The petitioners also contended that the proposed demolition was unlawful and violated their constitutional rights under Articles 14, 25 and 26, besides raising property-rights concerns under Article 300A.
In its September 9 order, Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt of the MP High Court’s Indore Bench held that the municipal authorities had followed the required legal procedure and had considered objections raised by those administering the mosque. The court found no grounds to interfere with the corporation’s decision.
The court also took into account the preparations for Simhastha Kumbh 2028, including the expected movement of large numbers of devotees, traffic management and public-safety requirements. It noted that the mosque is located almost opposite the Mahakaleshwar Temple and close to the Kshipra River.
The petitions were consequently dismissed, clearing the legal challenge to the proposed partial removal. The ruling concerns only the portion of the structure falling within the planned road-widening alignment, not demolition of the entire mosque.
The issue has again drawn attention in Ujjain on September 28, with protests and clashes reported near the site as authorities moved ahead with the road-widening exercise
