Moradabad: After the demolition of an illegal mosque in Saharanpur, another mosque in Uttar Pradesh has come under the scanner, with the Mustafa Mosque in Moradabad facing possible demolition action over alleged construction without an approved building map.
Located on Delhi Road opposite Teerthanker Mahaveer University in the Pakbada area of Moradabad, the approximately 300-square-metre mosque has come under scrutiny after the Moradabad Development Authority (MDA) issued a notice to its management seeking documents and the approved map of the structure.
The notice, issued on August 20, has put the mosque’s future in question. With the deadline for submitting the required documents expiring on September 3, the mosque management now faces the task of establishing that the structure was constructed in accordance with the law and has the necessary approvals.
If the management fails to produce the required documents, further enforcement action, including demolition, could follow in accordance with the rules. The MDA, however, has not yet issued a final demolition order and has maintained that the documents will first be examined before any further action is taken.
MDA flags mosque construction as illegal
The controversy began after the MDA received a complaint alleging that the mosque had been constructed without an approved building plan.
The development authority subsequently issued a notice to the mosque’s mutawalli and management, directing them to produce the relevant documents and establish the legality of the construction.
MDA Vice-Chairman Anubhav Singh said the authority had received a complaint claiming that the mosque’s map had not been approved. Following the complaint, a notice was issued seeking the necessary documents.
The authority is now examining the matter. Officials have indicated that if the mosque management fails to establish that the construction was legally approved, action will be taken as per the applicable rules. The MDA has also cited concerns relating to the road and traffic situation in the area.
Mosque management disputes illegal construction claim
The mosque management, however, has rejected the suggestion that the structure is a recent unauthorised construction.
Imam Maulana Shane Azhari claimed that the mosque was decades old and that prayers had been offered there since the time of his ancestors. He also rejected allegations that the mosque was causing an obstruction to traffic on Delhi Road.
Azhari said the mosque’s manager, Zeeshan Farid, along with Farid Jabbar and the management committee, would deal with the MDA notice and take appropriate legal action.
The management is expected to submit its response to the authority.
While the mosque’s representatives maintain that it is an old place of worship, the MDA is examining whether the structure has the requisite construction approval and whether it complies with development regulations.
Three decade old Mosque under scrutiny
According to reports, the mosque was constructed around three decades ago by exporter Farid Jabbar within his factory premises. Following his death in 2025, his son, Zeeshan Farid, reportedly sold the property adjoining the mosque to the owner of a private university. Despite the change in ownership of the adjoining property, prayers have continued to be offered at the mosque.
A Jain temple is also reportedly located next to the mosque.
The dispute has therefore brought the legal status of the decades-old structure into sharp focus, with the MDA now examining whether the mosque possesses the approvals required for its construction.
The Moradabad development comes shortly after the demolition of a mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex following a lengthy legal and administrative process.
The Saharanpur mosque, spread over approximately 3,000 square feet, had been accused of being an illegal construction. Former Bajrang Dal provincial convener Vikas Tyagi lodged a complaint on February 10, 2025, alleging that the mosque was illegal and that rent was being collected from rooms within the mosque complex and a post office operating there.
The complaint triggered a magisterial inquiry, which reportedly concluded that the construction was illegal.
On March 24, 2025, the administration approached the City Magistrate’s Court. On July 16, 2026, the court declared the mosque illegal and ordered its removal. It also directed the recovery of Rs 6.41 crore in damages and granted the occupants 30 days to comply.
The mosque’s representatives challenged the order before the District Court. However, on September 2, District Judge Satendra Kumar dismissed the petition, upholding the earlier order and removing a major legal hurdle to its implementation.
