A view of a cordoned-off well discovered during the demolition drive of a mosque at the Collectorate complex, in Saharanpur. The petition alleged that both authorities have passed the demolition orders without jurisdiction and authority. The city magistrate, through an order passed under the Uttar Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction and Unauthorised Occupants) Act 1972 on July 16, directed demolition of the 315 square-metre mosque in the Collectorate premises and imposed a fine of Rs 6.41 crore on its management. An appeal was filed against the magistrate's order in the district court. However, the district judge dismissed the appeal on September 2, following which the authorities demolished the mosque on September 5. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), had earlier, strongly condemned the demolition of a more than century-old mosque located within the Saharanpur Collectorate premises, claiming that it was a grave violation of the rule of law, religious freedom and the fundamental principles of justice. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) demanded an impartial legal inquiry into the entire process leading to the demolition of the mosque and a full disclosure of the legal basis and orders under which the mosque was demolished. The board hoped that the mosque management will approach the higher courts and that the courts will thoroughly examine the legal and constitutional dimensions of the matter. The board said it will extend all possible legal and moral support to the mosque management. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had inspected the site and collected samples and in view of this, an impartial examination of the mosque’s historical status, official records and ownership of the land is essential, said AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas. Shashwat Bhandari is the Associate Editor at Times Now. With 14 years of experience in the news and media industry, he understands the responsibility ... View More