Ujjain Shahi Masjid Row: Protests Erupt Over Partial Demolition for Road Widening

Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid has become the centre of a dispute over the partial removal of a portion of the historic mosque as part of a road-widening project ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation is widening the road in the old-city area to improve traffic movement and accommodate the expected increase in pilgrims during the major religious gathering. The proposed work affects only a portion of the mosque that falls within the planned road alignment, rather than the demolition of the entire mosque.

The mosque is described by local Muslim representatives as being around 600 years old, with some community members claiming a history dating back to 1390. However, available historical and archaeological evidence does not conclusively establish that exact construction date, making the age of the existing structure a matter of dispute.

Tensions increased in Ujjain in late September after residents and members of the Muslim community staged a sit-in against the proposed removal. On September 28, clashes were reported near the mosque, with police using tear gas and baton charges after stone-pelting was reported. Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force, were deployed in the area as authorities attempted to control the situation.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier allowed the Ujjain Municipal Corporation to proceed with the partial removal after dismissing petitions challenging the road-widening action. The court noted that the project was connected to traffic management and preparations for Simhastha 2028.

On September 28, the dispute moved toward a settlement between the mosque's authorised administrative committee and the municipal corporation. The High Court disposed of the appeal after being informed that an agreement had been reached. Under the reported arrangement, the affected portion could be removed, with the court making clear that assurances given by the municipal corporation would remain binding.

The controversy has also drawn political reactions, while the administration has maintained that the road-widening project involves multiple structures and is intended to improve infrastructure and public movement ahead of Simhastha 2028. The latest developments leave the focus on implementation of the settlement, restoration of normalcy in the area and completion of the wider road project.