Many removed; notices sent to others: Govts tell Allahabad HC in PIL against illegal Mosques, Mazars

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Synopsis

The PIL has been filed against rapidly increasing illegal encroachment at public land in the name of religion.

In the PIL seeking removal of unauthorised Mosques/Mazars/Dargahs constructed on public lands, the respondents Central Government and the State Government told the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday that many other illegal constructions/Mazars have been removed and notices have been issued to others.

The bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta was further apprised that several parties who have received such notices have also filed impleadment application in the present PIL.

Moreover, the respondents—Central and State governments requested the court to grant further time to bring on record the aforesaid developments. Acceding to the same, court adjourned the matter and directed it to be next listed on February 15, 2023.

The present PIL plea alleged that across the country, unauthorised Graves/Mazars/Dargahs are being constructed at public places like parks, railway stations, bus stands, flyovers, bridges etc. with an intention to capture more and more land illegally.

The plea stated that these activities, which are being done in the name of pseudo religion, can jeopardize national integrity and the situation is so alarming that it may give rise to communal disharmony.

The plea, filed by Jan Udghosh Sewa Sansthan and others, cited the example of alleged illegal Mazars, Mosques and Dargahs in several cities of Uttar Pradesh including Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Muzaffar Nagar, Meerut, Mathura, Bareilly etc.

The plea further alleged that these illegally constructed places are also being used for illegal activities and spreading unnecessary superstition.

Moreover, the plea claimed that these activities are taking place in connivance with the local administration.

"From the narration of facts placed on record, it is also clear that such construction is being raised with the officers in charge of the administration as without their consent and connivance such type of construction at public places could not have been raised," the plea stated.

Case Title: Jan Udghosh Sewa Sansthan and others v. Union of India and others