Tension rose in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on September 28 after authorities began work linked to the removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid that falls within the proposed alignment of a road-widening project. The development triggered protests and a confrontation between police and people gathered near the mosque.
According to reports, some protesters allegedly threw stones at security personnel. Police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The administration deployed a large police presence in the area to prevent further unrest.
The dispute is linked to preparations for Simhastha 2028, the major religious gathering expected to bring very large numbers of pilgrims to Ujjain. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation has proposed widening the road to improve traffic movement and infrastructure around important parts of the city.
What Is the Road-Widening Dispute?
The central issue is a section of the Shahi Masjid that lies within the proposed road alignment. Hindustan Times reported that the portion identified by the district administration measures approximately 9 feet by 4 feet. Authorities have maintained that structures falling within the designated road corridor are being addressed as part of the wider development exercise.
Members of the mosque community have opposed the removal, arguing that religious structures should be excluded from the road-widening work. They have questioned whether the road could be widened through an alternative alignment or by removing structures on the opposite side.
The mosque committee has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court in connection with the dispute. The legal proceedings have become an important part of the next stage of the controversy.
Clashes and Heavy Police Deployment
On Monday morning, the situation became tense as residents and police confronted each other near the mosque. The Indian Express reported that police fired tear gas shells after stone-pelting was allegedly directed at security personnel.
Hindustan Times reported that police registered an FIR against 10 people in connection with the unrest. The report said around 2,500 police personnel, including forces from neighbouring districts, were deployed to maintain law and order. Police also said several personnel were injured during the confrontation.
Officials have urged residents to maintain peace and avoid rumours. The New Indian Express reported that Ujjain Collector Roshan Singh described the removal of structures along the road alignment as voluntary and said the administration was seeking cooperation from affected communities.
The differing descriptions of the situation underline the importance of relying on verified information while the dispute remains under legal and administrative consideration.
What Did the Madhya Pradesh High Court Say Earlier?
The current dispute follows an earlier decision of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. On September 9, the court dismissed two petitions challenging the Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s decision to remove the portion of the Shahi Masjid falling within the proposed road alignment.
According to The Indian Express, Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt held that the municipal corporation had followed the relevant statutory process and provided affected parties an opportunity to raise objections. The court also rejected the argument that the mosque was being singled out because it was a religious structure.
The court noted that action had also been taken against other religious structures during the road-widening exercise. The judgment referred to portions of 10 temples and one mosque being removed along the same road and said authorities had taken action involving around 80 religious places across Ujjain.
The civic body had argued that the road widening was connected with the Ujjain Development Plan 2035 and preparations for events including Simhastha 2028. The court considered traffic management and public-safety requirements among the issues raised by the administration.
Why Is Simhastha 2028 Important?
Ujjain is expected to see substantial visitor movement during Simhastha 2028. Authorities have therefore been carrying out infrastructure and road-development projects in advance.
The government and municipal administration have described road widening as part of efforts to improve traffic flow and facilities. At the same time, residents affected by the project have raised concerns about the removal of homes, shops and places of worship.
The controversy around the Shahi Masjid has consequently become both a local development dispute and a matter before the courts.
High Court Hearing and What Comes Next
A petition filed by the mosque authorities was scheduled for hearing before the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench on September 28. The mosque committee has challenged the proposed removal and has sought legal protection.
Reports available during the day indicated that the hearing was still an important pending development, while authorities focused on maintaining public order at the site.
The immediate priority for the administration is preventing further clashes and keeping the area peaceful. For the mosque committee and residents, the court proceedings are expected to determine the next legal steps concerning the disputed portion.
The Ujjain Shahi Masjid dispute remains a developing story. Further developments will depend on the High Court proceedings, administrative decisions and how authorities and local communities manage the road-widening project ahead of Simhastha 2028.
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