Illegal Mosque Demolished on Government Land in Lucknow Following High Court Order
In the early hours of Thursday, a mosque that had been illegally constructed on government land in Asti village, located within the Bakshi Ka Talab area of Lucknow, was demolished. This action was carried out in strict compliance with an order issued by the Allahabad High Court.
Heavy Security and Swift Demolition Operation
The district administration deployed three bulldozers for the demolition, which commenced around 4 AM. The operation was conducted under a heavy police presence, including personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), to ensure it proceeded without incident.
Officials stated that the demolition was the culmination of a prolonged legal process, which definitively established that the structure was built on government-owned land. The entire mosque was razed within approximately one hour, after which the debris was promptly cleared from the site.
Detailed Legal Timeline Leading to Eviction
The legal proceedings followed a clear and documented sequence:
- Initial Notice: The BKT tehsildar issued a notice to the occupants, Mohd Sahibaan and Lal Mohammad of Asti village, on March 11, directing them to vacate the land.
- Encroachment Report and Orders: According to official records, the encroachment report was submitted on October 19, 2024. A formal notice followed on October 21, 2024. An eviction order was subsequently passed on February 28, 2025.
- Recovery Certificate and Service: A recovery certificate was issued on July 23, 2025, and was officially served on January 16, 2026.
- Appeals and Dismissals: The occupants challenged the tehsildar's order before the Additional District Magistrate (Judicial). This appeal was dismissed on October 31, 2025, with the original eviction order being upheld.
- High Court Petition: Subsequently, the occupants filed a petition in the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court. In an order dated March 25, 2026, the High Court dismissed the petition, describing it as "devoid of merit," thereby paving the way for the eviction.
Following the High Court's decision, the administration pasted eviction notices at the site. When the structure was not removed voluntarily, they proceeded with the demolition.
Official Statements and Local Claims
ADM (Administration) Rakesh Singh confirmed that the drive was conducted smoothly under comprehensive security arrangements. He emphasized that the action was taken only after exhausting all legal avenues.
In contrast, some local residents claimed that the mosque had existed in the village for nearly 60 years. Officials clarified the legal basis for the action, noting that cases under Section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code follow a summary procedure. In such cases, decisions can be made based on documentary evidence and affidavits, and cross-examination of witnesses is not mandatory in every instance.
Post-Demolition Security Measures
To maintain law and order in the aftermath of the demolition, police personnel have been deployed in Asti village. The administration is taking necessary precautions to ensure peace and stability in the area following this significant enforcement action.
