The lawmaker gets 30 days to remove disputed parts; Muslim supporters of the MP claim action is politically motivated
SAMBHAL — The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal has imposed a fine of Rs 1.35 lakh on Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, with claims from his supporters that this is another example of selective targeting of Muslims in public life. The court has fined the lawmaker for alleged violation of building by-laws and given him 30 days to remove certain parts of his house said to be built without approval. If he fails, the administration will demolish the disputed parts and recover the full cost from him, the court said.
The case centres on a residential property allegedly constructed without a sanctioned building map. On Tuesday, SDM Vikas Chandra announced that the MP was found in violation of the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Building Operation Act, 1958. A permanent fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed under Section 9 of the Act, and an additional Rs 1,25,000 was calculated at the rate of Rs 500 per day for 250 days from 5 December 2024.
The SDM’s order states that the approval of the building’s revised plan will only be effective if Barq deposits a ‘reduction fee’ of Rs 5,707 to the designated authority. Moreover, the MP has been ordered to demolish the wall, columns and roof built within the front setback area — measuring one metre by 14.30 metres — from all floors. Failure to act within the 30-day window will see the reduction map automatically cancelled, with the entire structure declared illegal and marked for demolition.
Barq’s supporters, however, have strongly condemned the decision. “This is not about a wall or a column. This is about silencing a Muslim MP who speaks for his people,” said Mohammad Rafiq, a resident of Sambhal who attended the court proceedings. “If this was a Hindu leader, they would have found a compromise. Here, they want to show Muslims their place.”
The MP, known for his outspoken views on minority rights, was not present in court when the order was read. In a brief phone statement to local reporters, he said: “I will take legal advice. I have always followed the law, but the way this case has been handled raises questions. Many people build without approval, yet only some of us are punished.”
According to SDM Vikas Chandra, the administration had previously given Barq an opportunity to submit a revised building plan, which he did. The parts of the construction that could be regularised were accepted after the payment of Rs 5,707, but the rest — particularly the front setback area — could not be compounded as per rules. “The construction work was carried out without passing the map and without informing the authorities. We have given 30 days for the unauthorised parts to be removed. If not, action will be taken as per law,” said the SDM.
Local political observers say the move will deepen mistrust between the Muslim community and the district administration. “This is an old pattern,” commented political analyst Aslam Warsi. “From bulldozer actions to selective enforcement of laws, Muslims in Uttar Pradesh have seen properties targeted under various pretexts. Whether it is a madrasa, a shop or now an MP’s home, the message is the same — you are not safe.”
Residents in Sambhal also expressed mixed views. While some believe the MP should have followed building regulations, others see the punishment as excessive. “Yes, maps should be approved, but the fine and demolition threat are harsh,” said Hina Khan, a teacher from the city. “In our neighbourhood, there are several illegal constructions, but no one touches them. This looks like discrimination.”
Human rights groups have also weighed in. A local activist, Shahid Pervez, stated: “We are not defending illegal construction, but law should be equal. The BJP government’s track record with Muslim leaders is well known. If this continues, it will only fuel anger and alienation.”
The controversy has already sparked heated debates on social media, with hashtags supporting the MP trending among Muslim users in Uttar Pradesh. Many accuse the authorities of using municipal laws as a political tool to weaken opposition leaders from the minority community.
For now, Barq has 30 days to comply with the order. Whether he will remove the disputed structures or fight the case further remains to be seen. But in Sambhal, the action has stirred a familiar unease among its Muslim population — a reminder that in present-day Uttar Pradesh, even the home of an elected Muslim MP is not beyond administrative scrutiny.
