Thousands of Muslims Gather to Protect 600-Year-Old Shahi Masjid in Ujjain

UJJAIN: Thousands of Muslims have gathered inside and outside the historic Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to oppose the proposed removal of part of the mosque for a road-widening project linked to preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh 2028.

The mosque, which local accounts date to 1390, is described as more than 600 years old. Community members have gathered at the site and said they would continue their peaceful protest to protect the historic place of worship. Recent reports said hundreds remained around the mosque, with some staying inside the premises.

Part of Mosque Marked for Removal

The Ujjain Municipal Corporation plans to widen the road to around 15 metres as part of preparations for the large religious gathering expected in 2028.

Authorities have said the road widening is intended to improve traffic movement and public safety as millions of pilgrims are expected to visit the city during Simhastha.

The proposed work affects approximately 39.33 square metres of the Shahi Masjid complex. Court records indicate that the dispute concerns only the portion falling within the proposed road alignment, rather than the demolition of the entire mosque.

Muslims Protest Against Demolition

Mosque administrators and local Muslim residents have opposed the proposed removal, arguing that the historic religious structure should be excluded from the road-widening project.

Local reports said additional police, Rapid Action Force and other security personnel were deployed around the mosque after large numbers of people gathered in protest.

The protesters have called for the mosque to be protected and have said they intend to continue their demonstration peacefully.

High Court Had Rejected Petitions

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on September 9 dismissed petitions challenging the proposed removal of part of the Shahi Masjid.

The court noted that the authorities were widening the road as part of preparations for Simhastha 2028 and cited the need to manage traffic and ensure public safety during the expected large-scale religious gathering.

The court also noted that portions of 10 temples and one mosque along the same road had already been removed and that action had been taken involving around 80 religious structures in Ujjain.

Dispute Over Historic Religious Site

The mosque’s petitioners had argued that the structure was an ancient religious site and that the proposed action would affect parts of the prayer hall, a 120-foot minaret and Mazhar Chowk Shahi.

The court, however, found that the municipal authorities had followed the relevant legal procedures and dismissed the petitions.

The latest protests have brought renewed attention to the dispute as Ujjain authorities continue preparations for Simhastha 2028.