The Allahabad High Court has temporarily halted the recovery of a ₹6 crore fine imposed on the management of a mosque in Saharanpur. The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file a response regarding the recent demolition of the structure. The next hearing in this legal dispute is scheduled for October 12, 2026.
The Allahabad High Court has intervened in the ongoing legal dispute regarding the demolition of a mosque located on the Saharanpur collectorate premises. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, presiding over the case, has issued a stay on the recovery of a ₹6 crore fine that had been levied against the mosque management. The court's directive serves as a temporary pause in the financial penalties associated with the demolition, pending further legal proceedings.
Background of the Dispute
The demolition of the structure took place on September 5, 2026. This action followed an earlier eviction order issued by the Saharanpur city magistrate on July 16, 2026, which was subsequently upheld by the district judge on September 2, 2026. The petition challenging these actions was filed by advocate Mohammad Tanveer Ahmad, who has contested both the demolition process and the legitimacy of the fine imposed under the Uttar Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.
Arguments and Legal Status
The legal contention centers on the ownership status of the 315-square-meter site where the mosque was situated. The petitioner claims that the ownership was never formally resolved, citing historical records that indicate the land may have been held by private individuals. Conversely, the Uttar Pradesh government, represented by the Additional Advocate General, maintains that the land has historically vested in the state since the colonial era. State authorities argue that the property is recorded as part of the collectorate katchery and that claims of Waqf land status are unsubstantiated. The state contends that the eviction was conducted in accordance with established administrative procedures.
Next Steps in Proceedings
Following the court’s intervention, the Uttar Pradesh government is required to submit a counter-affidavit within three weeks to formally detail its position on the matter. The court has set October 12, 2026, as the date for the next hearing. The outcome of these proceedings will determine the final status of the fine and the resolution of the land title dispute. For those monitoring the situation, the key update to track will be the contents of the government's upcoming affidavit and the court's observations during the October hearing.