MC court orders demolition of ‘illegal’ mosque in Mandi

The court of the Director, Town and Country Planning-cum-Mandi Municipal Commissioner, presided over by HS Rana, today directed the authorities of a mosque on the Jail Road in the district to dismantle the “disputed” structure within 30 days.

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The court’s ruling follows a detailed hearing where both sides presented their arguments. The court’s order mandates the immediate removal of the construction deemed unauthorised. A two-storey mosque was constructed illegally without the permission of the Town and Country Planning Department. The court gave ample time to the mosque authorities to produce relevant documents related to the construction of the shrine but they failed to do so.

Meanwhile, Hindu outfits held a protest today against the alleged illegal construction of a mosque on the Jail Road in Mandi city. Despite a ban on public gatherings, demonstrators gathered there, leading to clashes.

The protest began early in the morning with participants rallying in several key locations throughout the city, including Seri Manch, Chauhata Bazaar near the Municipal Corporation (MC) office and the disputed mosque site. The district administration had imposed Section 163 of the BNS, restricting public gatherings of five or more people.

As protesters reached the mosque site, they attempted to push police barricades. The police used water cannons to disperse the crowd, which had gathered for over an hour, demanding the demolition of the mosque. Some protesters even tried to climb barricades put up there but the police managed to contain the situation and prevent escalation.

Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan intervened and assured the protesters that legal proceedings over the mosque’s construction would be done diligently. He added that no one would be permitted to take law into their hands. On getting assurance, the protesters dispersed.

Meanwhile, the local authorities heightened vigilance and put up barricades at various entry points of the city. The police were also present in strength in the area. The authorities were closely monitoring the situation to ensure law and order, as tensions remain high in Mandi.