New Delhi, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi has accused the district court of being the “real culprit” in the demolition of a mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate campus, alleging that the court dismissed the Muslim side’s plea and passed its order in “sheer haste”.
The remarks came a day after the mosque was demolished on Saturday morning, triggering a political controversy in Uttar Pradesh. Opposition parties have accused the BJP-led state government of communal politics and targeted action ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Speaking to IANS, Rashidi alleged that the demolition was carried out in an authoritarian manner and amounted to a violation of constitutional principles and the rule of law.
The demolition followed a legal dispute over the ownership and status of the structure. On September 2, a district court dismissed an appeal and upheld an earlier order passed by a magistrate on July 16. The September 2 order did not specifically direct demolition.
The July 16 order had directed eviction of the mosque under the Uttar Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1972, after concluding that the structure occupied 315 square metres of government land.
Rashidi disputed the finding, claiming that documents submitted before the court established Muslim ownership of the land. He alleged that the court did not properly examine those records before dismissing the plea.
He further alleged that the Muslim side still had time to approach a higher court, but claimed that the demolition was carried out without allowing that opportunity. He also alleged that internet services were shut down and some community leaders were placed under house arrest before the action.
Rashidi made further allegations against the district court judge, claiming the verdict was influenced by considerations of career advancement and disregarded the religious sentiments of Muslims. These allegations could not be independently verified.
He also called for action against those he held responsible for the demolition, including the judge and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
The allegations come amid heightened political debate over the demolition, with different sides disputing the ownership of the land, the legality of the structure and the circumstances surrounding its removal.
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