The Uttar Pradesh administration on Saturday, 5 September demolished a mosque inside the Collectorate complex in Saharanpur, after the District and Sessions Court rejected the Muslim side's appeal against a demolition order passed by the City Magistrate. The action, carried out using a bulldozer under heavy police deployment, has triggered sharp political reactions across western Uttar Pradesh.

How the Demolition Unfolded

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abhishek Singh confirmed that the structure was found to be an illegal construction on government land within the District Collectorate premises. 'An illegal construction was found on government land located within the District Collectorate premises in District Saharanpur, as per the order of the City Magistrate's court. Against this order, the masjid committee had filed a first appeal. Their appeal has been dismissed, and the order of the City Magistrate has been upheld. In accordance with this order, the demolition of this illegal construction is being carried out,' he said.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and City Magistrate were present at the site alongside a large police contingent. Following the demolition, the mosque gate was locked, movement within the Collectorate premises was restricted, and personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) were deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

Legal Background

The dispute reportedly dates to the previous month, when the City Magistrate declared the mosque illegal and ordered its demolition. The Muslim side challenged the order before the District and Sessions Court, which initially granted a stay. However, on Friday, the court reportedly rejected their plea, paving the way for Saturday's action.

Congress MP Imran Masood, who has said he will move the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court, contested the legal basis of the demolition. He argued that Khasra records still list the land in the names of Waheed Khan and Yakub Khan, within whose zamindari the mosque was built, and that the Waqf Board — under whose registry the mosque falls — was not made a party to the proceedings. 'The mosque is registered with the Waqf Board, but you did not make the Waqf Board a party,' Masood said. He also invoked the principle of Waqf by User, citing continuous prayers and documentary evidence spanning 70 to 80 years.

Masood further alleged that the appeal process was rushed: 'You had passed an order, and then the District Court passed its order within just one month. The appeal was heard and rejected. You neither listened to us nor gave us time.'

Political Fallout

Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan, who represents the Kairana Lok Sabha constituency, was reportedly placed under house arrest on Saturday morning before she could travel to Saharanpur to assess the situation and meet those affected. A large police contingent was deployed outside her residence. Other opposition leaders were also reportedly being closely monitored by authorities.

The demolition has intensified political debate in western Uttar Pradesh, with the Congress and Samajwadi Party both raising constitutional and procedural objections to the action.

Security Situation

The Collectorate complex was placed under heavy security, with police deployed on all roads leading to the district headquarters. Senior officials including the Additional District Force (ADF) and City Superintendent of Police were present at the site. The administration stated that maintaining peace and law and order remain its top priorities, with security tightened across Saharanpur and adjoining areas.

What Comes Next

Masood has announced plans to challenge the demolition before the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court. The legal battle over land ownership, Waqf Board standing, and procedural compliance is expected to intensify in the coming days, with the case likely to draw national attention given its constitutional dimensions.