Authority: Uttarakhand High Court
Order Date: 18 June 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Management Committee of Waqf No 514 (Petitioner) vs. Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (Respondent).
- Relief Sought: (i) Writ of mandamus to restrain respondents from demolishing the mosque located at Khasra No. 3/2, Village Nagla, Tehsil Kichha, District Udham Singh Nagar, and to prevent hindrance to peaceful prayers; (ii) Certiorari to quash the notice dated 04‑06‑2026 issued by the respondents demanding removal of the structure.
- Background: The mosque was constructed approximately 45 years ago after obtaining a “No Objection” from the then State Government. Petitioners rely on a letter dated 12‑02‑1980 from the Agriculture Section, Government of U.P., indicating no objection, and a letter dated 5‑9‑1979 from Mr. Shamshad Ahmed, IAS, recommending permission for construction on university land. Respondents argue the letters, if existent, were personal and not official.
- Court’s Observations: The Court noted the petitioner faces a demolition notice requiring removal by 20‑06‑2026 at petitioner’s cost. To ensure justice, the Court permitted the petitioner to submit an additional reply to the Estate Officer (Farm) of the university, attaching supporting documents.
Final Outcome
- The writ petition is disposed of with liberty to the petitioner to file a reply to the Estate Officer within ten days from the order date.
- The Estate Officer (Farm) must examine the petitioner’s submissions and pass an appropriate order within four weeks thereafter.
- A status‑quo on the mosque shall be maintained for six weeks or until the Estate Officer’s decision, whichever is earlier.
- If the petitioner fails to submit the reply within the stipulated time, he will lose the protection of this order, allowing demolition to proceed.
Topics: Court Order, Religious Site Dispute, Land Use