MP High Court Upholds Partial Removal of Ujjain Shahi Masjid for Road Widening

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has upheld the proposed partial removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, observing that civic infrastructure requirements for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh 2028 must be considered in the larger public interest. The court dismissed petitions challenging notices issued by the Ujjain Municipal Corporation for widening the road to 15 metres.

The court noted the “hard reality” of large-scale public movement expected during Simhastha when crores of devotees are likely to visit Ujjain. It emphasised the need for efficient traffic management, public safety and improved civic facilities, particularly because the mosque is located close to the Mahakaleshwar Temple and the Kshipra River.

The municipal authorities maintained that the road-widening exercise forms part of the Ujjain Development Plan 2035 and is intended to improve connectivity and reduce congestion during major religious events, including Shahi Sawari, Peshwai and Simhastha. The Corporation also stated that several religious structures across the city were being shifted or removed as part of the broader infrastructure exercise.

The petitioners had argued that the proposed action affected religious property and raised constitutional concerns under Articles 14, 25, 26 and 300A. However, the High Court found that the authorities had followed the applicable legal procedure and provided an opportunity for hearing before taking the decision.

The ruling highlights the complex balance between religious rights, heritage considerations, urban planning and public infrastructure. It also underlines the responsibility of civic authorities to undertake development measures through lawful procedures while keeping public safety and equitable implementation at the centre of governance.