The controversy surrounding the mosque located in the Collectorate complex in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh , has once again intensified. On Friday, the SDM and City Magistrate arrived with police forces to seal the mosque. As a precaution, all gates to the Collectorate complex have been closed, and a large police force is deployed at the scene.
The city magistrate had ordered the demolition.
It is reported that last month, the City Magistrate declared the mosque located on the Collectorate premises illegal and ordered its demolition. The Muslim side subsequently appealed the order to the District and Sessions Court (DJ Court). The DJ Court granted a stay on the City Magistrate’s order. On Friday, the DJ Court rejected the Muslim side’s claim. Following this, the administration took action against the mosque.
The mosque gate is currently locked. The administration has restricted movement within the Collectorate premises for security reasons. Police are deployed, and no one is being allowed inside the mosque.
After the action taken by the administration, police and administrative officials are keeping a constant watch on the situation in the Collectorate complex and surrounding areas.
What is the whole matter?
Former Bajrang Dal state convener Vikas Tyagi filed a complaint alleging that the mosque located within the Collectorate complex was illegal. He alleged that the mosque was built illegally. It was being used not only for religious purposes but also for commercial purposes. A post office was operating there. Furthermore, rooms within the mosque were being rented out to outsiders, posing a threat to the security and confidentiality of a sensitive location like the Collectorate.
The court deemed it illegal
The case was heard in the court of City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh. In its order, the court stated that the mosque was constructed on 315 square meters of government land, Khasra No. 539, located in the Collectorate complex, which is registered in the name of the court/collectorate in government records. Based on the available evidence and records, the court deemed this an illegal occupation.
The court declared the mosque illegal and ordered its eviction, demolition, and compensation of over ₹6 crore (approximately $60 million). Subsequently, on July 22, 2026, the mosque side challenged this decision in the District Court and obtained a stay on July 24. Today, the court rejected the Muslim side’s claim.
Meanwhile, bulldozer action was recently carried out around the Jama Masjid in Delhi. Illegal shops built in parks were demolished .
