In a move that has sparked controversy, local authorities in Uttar Pradesh demolished a portion of the 185-year-old Noori Masjid, citing encroachment on the Banda-Bahraich Highway.
In Fatehpur district, authorities demolished a mosque shortly after the Supreme Court highlighted that bulldozer demolitions are unacceptable under the rule of law.
The district administration claimed that workers had illegally constructed the demolished section of the mosque within the last two to three years, using satellite and historical imagery to support their claim. The Public Works Department (PWD) issued a notice on August 17, demanding the removal of the allegedly illegal constructions. Despite having a month to comply, mosque officials challenged the order in the high court, according to the PWD.
Inspector Vrindavan Rai of Lalauli police station reported, “In the presence of officials, a bulldozer removed approximately 20 meters of the mosque that was obstructing the highway’s widening project.” Officials closely monitored the operation, and they are now clearing the debris.
The Noori Masjid Management Committee disputes the Public Works Department (PWD) claims. Mohammad Moin Khan, the committee’s chief, stated, “The Noorie Mosque, established in 1839 well before the road’s construction in 1956, is now facing parts being declared illegal.”
Administrative Actions and Responses
Avinash Tripathi, the Additional District Magistrate, mentioned that his office issued notices in August to 139 entities, including the mosque’s management, directing them to remove encroachments. “We needed to clear these encroachments due to upcoming road repairs and drainage construction along the route,” Tripathi explained.
Local authorities in Uttar Pradesh have initiated the demolition of the 180-year-old Fatehpur Noori Masjid, citing it as an encroachment. Officials stated that the area will be cleared using bulldozers. The mosque, constructed in 1839, predates the road it is now accused of… pic.twitter.com/eSrHOlNmDJ
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal001) December 10, 2024He further explained that the mosque management had previously complied by removing attached shops, and now removing the newly constructed portion was necessary. “We verified through satellite and historical images that this part was added recently. We have removed only the portion that encroached upon public land,” he added.
During the demolition, authorities deployed police and Rapid Action Force personnel throughout the area to ensure peace and maintain law and order.
The demolition of part of Noori Masjid raises significant questions about heritage preservation, legal procedures, and the balance between development and historical conservation. The district’s actions underline the ongoing tensions between infrastructure development and cultural heritage preservation in rapidly urbanizing areas.
