Supreme Court Upholds Ujjain Mosque Demolition, Dismisses Challenge by Residents

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition challenging the demolition of the Takiya Masjid in Ujjain. The plea was filed by thirteen residents who stated the mosque was 200 years old and demolished to expand parking for the adjoining Mahakal Temple. However, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, ruled that the demolition and land acquisition were conducted according to law, and compensation was duly paid. The court also noted that the petitioners had previously withdrawn a similar petition filed before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Senior Advocate MR Shamshad, representing the petitioners, argued that the High Court's reasoning was legally flawed and that the demolition violated specific acts like the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, and the Waqf Act, 1995. Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court proceeded to dismiss the appeal.

Impact: This Supreme Court ruling provides a legal affirmation for the demolition and land acquisition process, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases involving religious sites and public infrastructure. While it addresses the legal aspects, it may not fully resolve underlying community sentiments. The direct impact on the Indian stock market is minimal, but it reinforces the stability of legal processes for infrastructure development and land use. Rating: 2/10

Difficult Terms: Waqf: Property that is dedicated to religious or charitable purposes, particularly for Muslims, under Islamic law. Namaz: The Islamic prayer, performed five times a day. Writ Petition: A formal written order issued by a court, usually commanding or preventing an action, used to seek judicial review or enforcement of rights. Statutory Scheme: The framework of laws and regulations governing a particular area or subject matter. Impugned Order: An order or decision that is being challenged in a legal proceeding, typically an appeal. Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991: An Indian parliamentary act that prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and mandates maintaining the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. Waqf Act, 1995: An Indian law that governs the administration, management, and supervision of waqf properties. Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013: A key Indian legislation that regulates the process of land acquisition by the government and ensures fair compensation and resettlement for affected individuals.