Asaduddin Owaisi Condemns Saharanpur Mosque Demolition, Raises Religious Freedom Question

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the demolition of a mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex, questioning whether constitutional guarantees of religious freedom apply equally to Muslims. The mosque was demolished by authorities early Saturday following a court order that upheld its removal from government land.

The demolition followed a July order by the City Magistrate, which held that the mosque occupied around 315 square metres of government land and directed its removal. A penalty of approximately Rs 6.41 crore was also imposed. A district court subsequently dismissed an appeal against the order, while authorities maintained that the demolition was carried out in accordance with due process.

Reacting to the action, Owaisi alleged that the mosque had historical roots dating back to 1911, arguing that records established its existence before the construction of the Collectorate. He also claimed that the structure was protected under legal concepts including “waqf by user” and adverse possession. The AIMIM chief questioned the decision to remove the structure and argued that its representatives should have been allowed to pursue further legal remedies.

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Owaisi also accused the BJP of selectively targeting Muslim religious sites, referring to alleged action against mosques, dargahs and graveyards. He described the Saharanpur demolition as part of what he portrayed as a wider pattern of hostility towards Muslim places of worship. His remarks have added a political dimension to an issue that had already been contested through the courts.

The AIMIM chief further criticised the timing of the demolition and stressed the principle of natural justice. He argued that the mosque's representatives should have been given an opportunity to approach higher courts before the structure was removed. Authorities, however, proceeded after the court orders concerning the alleged occupation of government land.

Owaisi announced that AIMIM would pursue the matter through constitutional and political means. The demolition is expected to remain a political issue in Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly elections are scheduled for February-March 2027. The episode has also renewed debate over the legal status of religious structures located on government land and the scope of judicial and administrative action in such cases.

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