Tension escalated around Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid on Monday as authorities began the process of removing a portion of the mosque that falls within a proposed road-widening alignment. Stone-pelting was reported during the confrontation, following which police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.The dispute is linked to preparations for Simhastha 2028. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation plans to widen the road between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir to around 15 metres, with parts of the Shahi Masjid falling within the proposed alignment.Key HighlightsTension escalated near Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid on September 28.Stone-pelting was reported during the confrontation with police.Police fired tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd.The dispute is linked to road widening ahead of Simhastha 2028.Around 2,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed in the area.The road between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir is planned to be widened to 15 metres.The mosque committee has challenged the proposed removal before a larger High Court bench.The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier upheld the municipal corporation’s action.What Happened at Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid?The confrontation began after a large gathering of residents and members of the Muslim community opposed the proposed removal of the mosque portion. People had gathered at the site overnight on Sunday as the administration prepared to begin the road-widening action.On Monday morning, the crowd and police came face-to-face as municipal authorities began the process. Stone-pelting was reported, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse protesters.The administration had already placed barricades around the mosque and restricted movement in the surrounding area. Senior police and administrative officials were present at the site as authorities attempted to prevent the confrontation from spreading.Why Is the Shahi Masjid Facing Partial Removal?The dispute is connected to a road-widening project between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir. The approximately 900-metre road is planned to be widened to 15 metres as part of preparations for Simhastha 2028, when Ujjain is expected to receive a large number of pilgrims.Several religious structures fall within the proposed road alignment. According to reports, authorities have already taken action involving other religious structures along the route.The mosque committee and members of the Muslim community have opposed the removal of the affected portion and have argued for an alternative road alignment. They have also challenged the action in court.What Has the Madhya Pradesh High Court Said?The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s decision.In its September 9 order, the court held that the corporation had followed the required statutory procedure and had provided affected parties an opportunity to raise objections. The court also noted that portions of other religious structures had been removed as part of the wider road project.The court considered the road-widening project in the context of traffic management and public safety during Simhastha 2028. The mosque committee has subsequently approached a Division Bench, with the matter scheduled for hearing.Heavy Police Deployment in UjjainSecurity was increased in Ujjain ahead of the proposed action. Reports said around 2,000 police personnel were deployed around the mosque and nearby areas, while barricades and restrictions were put in place.Earlier, more than 600 police personnel, along with Rapid Action Force and Special Task Force personnel, had taken part in a flag march across sensitive areas of the city.The administration had also attempted to resolve the situation through discussions with mosque committee representatives before the latest confrontation.Ujjain Shahi Masjid Dispute: What Happens Next?The immediate focus remains on restoring calm around the mosque while the legal proceedings continue.The proposed removal is part of the wider road-widening work being undertaken ahead of Simhastha 2028. The mosque committee and community members continue to oppose the removal, while municipal authorities are proceeding on the basis of the road project and earlier court orders.The situation remains developing, and further developments are expected following the court hearing and the administration’s actions at the site.
