'Illegal' parts of mosque demolished in Fatehpur

KANPUR: Authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district on Tuesday demolished a significant chunk of a 185-year-old mosque that officials alleged was illegally constructed and obstructing a road-widening project.

- HT Correspondent

The case of demolition in Fatehpur's Lalauli town comes weeks after the Supreme Court laid down nationwide guidelines to curb arbitrary demolitions by state authorities. The judgment had clarified that its directives would not apply to unauthorised constructions on public lands, such as roads, footpaths, and water bodies or to demolitions ordered by a court of law.

The management committee of the Noori Jama Masjid, built in 1839, disputed the administration's allegations and said that the case was being heard by the Allahabad high court. "We were not informed about this action, nor were we allowed to remove any items," said Maulana Sadiq, a member of the mosque management committee.

Fatehpur additional district magistrate (ADM) Avinash Tripathi said the demolition was carried out in accordance with the Supreme Court's guidelines. "The mosque committee has acknowledged receipt of the notices; adequate time was provided to the committee to honour their commitment. In case of failure, the portion falling within the 12-metre roadside encroachment zone was demolished," he said.