Muslims protest ahead of demolition of illegal Mosque in Chennai
In a dramatic turn of events, hundreds of Muslims gathered in front of the Koyambedu bus stop to protest the impending demolition of the Masjid-e-Hithaya mosque. The protests, marked by intense sloganeering, came ahead of the court-mandated deadline for the mosque’s removal, revealing a stark contrast in the enforcement of demolition orders in Tamil Nadu.
The Masjid-e-Hithaya mosque, located in Sector 3 near Seemathamman Nagar, Koyambedu, is built on land owned by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Corporation (CMDA). In 2020, the construction of the mosque was halted by authorities following complaints that it was being built without proper approval. Despite the ban, the construction continued, leading to a prolonged legal battle.
In November last year, the Madras High Court ruled in favor of demolishing the mosque, stating it was built on degraded land. This decision was upheld by a Supreme Court division bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan on February 26, 2024. The Supreme Court granted the mosque’s management time until May 31, 2024, to comply with the demolition order.
The court noted that the Hydha Muslim Welfare Trust, which oversaw the mosque’s construction, had no legal right to occupy the land and had never applied for approved building plans. The court emphasized that unauthorized constructions, whether temples or mosques, cannot be allowed and highlighted previous directives aimed at preventing such structures on public land.
Despite the clear court orders, the deadline for demolition passed without action. Armed with the Supreme Court’s orders and its extended deadline of June 15, local authorities prepared to enforce the demolition. However, days before the new deadline, a massive crowd of Muslims assembled to oppose the demolition, resulting in a standoff with the police.
On June 11, 2024, the protest at Koyambedu bus stop escalated into an altercation between the demonstrators and law enforcement, leading to numerous arrests. The protesters chanted slogans like “Nara-e-takbeer, Allahu Akbar” and “Lailaha illala,” echoing scenes of similar protests in Western countries.
Critics have pointed out the apparent double standard in the enforcement of demolition orders in Tamil Nadu. Former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan remarked, “The authorities act swiftly to demolish Hindu temples, even without court orders, despite protests from the Hindu community. However, they hesitate to enforce the same laws when it comes to illegal structures like this mosque, bowing to pressure from large crowds and potential intimidation.”
Another former Union Minister, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, echoed these sentiments, accusing the authorities of inconsistency. “This pattern of behavior undermines the rule of law and showcases a blatant disregard for judicial orders,” he said.
BJP state president K. Surendran criticized the authorities for what he described as political exploitation of the situation. “The ‘missing enforcement’ reflects poorly on the administration’s commitment to upholding the law,” he said. “This disparity in action is not justifiable and betrays the trust of the people.”
When it comes to Hindu temples, DMK govt. or the Dravidian element dominated media Sun TV, Thanthi TV, Puthiya Thalaimurai, News 18 ensures to project Hindus (whether they protest or not) in a poor light. They would flash with headlines such as “temple was demolished amidst police presence” are what one can see for Hindu temples. However, the news focuses on the “struggle” of the Muslims for their mosque and highlights it as though the demolition is unjust. They would sensationalise such demolitions as such they were denied equal rights, against their fundamental rights.
In the case on hand, the the demolition is ordered by the Court itself. Even before the demolition happens, all this development is taking place for an illegally constructed mosque. Is it a threat to authorities by mobilising large numbers before the execution of court orders reminding laws not for them? it is only poor hindus?
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, another former Union Minister, echoed these sentiments, accusing the authorities of inconsistency. “This pattern of behavior undermines the rule of law and showcases a blatant disregard for judicial orders,” he said.
BJP state president K. Surendran criticized the authorities for treating Kerala as a “political ATM” and called the non-enforcement of the demolition order a betrayal of the trust of Wayanad’s people. He emphasized that Rahul Gandhi’s actions show a disregard for the constituency, suggesting that political gains take precedence over genuine representation.
In response to the controversy, the mosque’s administrators claimed they had formally leased the land, paying Rs.43 lakh and registering the deed, arguing that the demolition should be halted. They appealed to Chief Minister Stalin to intervene and provide documentation to save the mosque from demolition.
Thol Thirumavalavan, founder of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) party and a known critic of Hindu organizations, opposed the demolition, calling for the mosque to be spared. Thirumavalavan’s stance aligns with his party’s consistent advocacy for minority rights.
Hindu Munnani leader Rajesh criticized the perceived disparity in enforcement, noting, “Authorities would demolish Hindu temples overnight with a heavy police presence to prevent any protest. No Hindu would raise their voice for a temple demolition, but if they touch a mosque or church, legally built or illegal, the community comes onto the streets in large numbers. This is something Hindus must learn from them.”
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