Allahabad HC stays proposed removal of Bahraich mosque over highway expansion

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has put a hold on the proposed removal of a mosque in Kazijot village, located along the Bahraich–Nanpara Highway (NH-927) in Uttar Pradesh, which the authorities had identified as an alleged encroachment linked to highway widening work.

A division bench comprising Justices Saurabh Lavania and Pramod Kumar Srivastava passed the interim order while hearing a petition challenging the administrative action against the mosque.

The petition was filed by mosque caretaker Shahid Ahmad and others after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reportedly classified the structure, registered as Waqf No. 1249, as an encroachment during the road expansion process, Maktoob Media reported.

During the hearing, the court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit its response on the matter. It also clarified that any action taken by the authorities would remain subject to further directions from the court.

The next hearing has been scheduled for June 22, when the state government is expected to present its stand and provide details regarding the proposed removal.

The dispute is connected to land acquisition and widening work on the Bahraich–Nanpara National Highway. The issue surfaced after NHAI Project Director Prashant Kumar Bajeti wrote to the City Magistrate on June 15, proposing the removal of an alleged encroachment identified as Kelu Masjid in Soharwa Kazijot village.

The communication had also sought police deployment to ensure law and order during the proposed action.

Following reports of possible demolition, the mosque management approached the High Court, which has now granted temporary relief by keeping the administrative action in abeyance.

The case will remain under judicial consideration, with further proceedings expected after the state government submits its response.