The Republican Party organises sit-in protests and raises serious questions over the municipal corporation’s selective action
MUMBAI — A major controversy has erupted in Pimpri Chinchwad, a city 15 km northwest of Pune in Maharashtra, after municipal authorities issued demolition notices to 16 mosques in the Kadalwadi area, sparking widespread anxiety and protests among locals. The notices, pasted on Thursday afternoon, claim that the mosques were built “without permission” and must be demolished within 15 days.
The move has been sharply criticised, especially since many of the mosques were built before 1995, when the area was governed by a Gram Panchayat and not a Municipal Corporation.
An emergency meeting of mosque trustees and local leaders was held on Thursday night to discuss the situation. Among those present were Niaz Siddiqui, Muhammad Naeem, Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry, Zikrullah Chaudhry, Dr Saeed Ahsan Qadri, and Meraj Chaudhry, along with other concerned citizens.
Speaking to Clarion India, Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry said, “It is shocking that notices have been issued for mosques built before the Municipal Corporation even existed. At that time, under the Gram Panchayat, there was no requirement for such permissions.”
The Municipal Corporation’s notice cites provisions from the Construction and Urban Development Planning Department, ordering demolition within 15 days, warning that demolition costs will be recovered from mosque committees. It also states that failure to comply will result in a fine of Rs 5,000 and possible criminal charges.
Trustees argue that all mosques, whether old or newly built, regularly submit their accounts to the Charity Commissioner. They also point out that none of the mosques obstruct government projects or pose any hindrance to public safety.
“None of these mosques block any road or fire brigade access. This action seems selective and unjustified,” said Muhammad Naeem, another trustee.
Interestingly, notices have also been pasted on some temples in the area, mainly linked to upcoming road widening projects. However, the targeting of mosques that predate the corporation’s formation has raised serious concerns.
According to local leaders, similar notices have been issued to a total of 31 religious places, including mosques and temples, in Chikhli, Kadalwadi, and Yadav Nagar areas. The Municipal Corporation has justified its move by pointing to concerns over fire incidents caused by illegal structures like warehouses and chemical storage facilities, which, they argue, delay firefighting operations.
Locals question why the Municipal Corporation is targeting religious places when, in 2012, it had regularised many RCC (reinforced cement concrete) buildings in the area. They argue that if mosques and temples are being labelled illegal now, thousands of regular residents could also face the same threat.
“If buildings were regularised, why this action now? And if they were not, it means thousands of families have been misled. The corporation must answer,” said Zikrullah Chaudhry.
In response to the notices, an indefinite sit-in protest has been launched outside the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation from Friday (25 April), immediately after congregational noon prayers. The protest is being led by the Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Abdul Aziz.
“We have taken police permission for the sit-in. Due to restrictions on large gatherings, protesters will come in groups and register their protest peacefully,” Aziz said.
The protesters are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the notices and assurance that no action will be taken against the mosques. They are also considering other forms of peaceful protest in consultation with legal experts and community leaders.
“This is not just about buildings. It is about the respect and trust of the community. We will not let these mosques, which are part of our heritage and faith, be destroyed without a fair and just process,” Abdul Aziz added.
