Masjid demolition: HC summons Kutch collector for ‘super-normal haste’

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat High Court has summoned Kutch District Collector Anil Ranavasiya over the swift demolition of Muhammadi Masjid, expressing serious dissatisfaction with the administration’s ‘super-normal haste’ in completing the proceedings, The Indian Express reported.

A bench led by Justice Niral R. Mehta directed the collector to appear in person on October 30 and explain what corrective action would be taken over alleged administrative lapses.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Siddiq Tejmal Sama, trustee and mutawalli of the Muhammadi Masjid Jamaat Trust, challenging the demolition. It questioned how the authorities completed proceedings under Section 61 and carried out the demolition within just two days, leaving the mosque management little opportunity to respond effectively or appeal.

The collector’s affidavit, submitted following an earlier court order on October 13, failed to adequately explain the ‘super-normal haste’ with which the mosque was demolished, the bench observed. The court sought a clearer account of the administration’s conduct before deciding the matter.

Ranavasiya has maintained that the mosque stood on government land without valid permission or supporting documents. He argued that the petitioners had failed to establish any legal right over the property and sought dismissal of their plea.

The petitioners have sought restoration of the mosque, compensation and action against officials responsible for the demolition.

The dispute dates back to June 18, when the mosque management received a show-cause notice alleging encroachment on government land. Authorities reportedly declared the structure an encroachment the following day, even as the management submitted its response on June 20. The demolition followed shortly afterwards, prompting judicial scrutiny.