The Bombay High Court recently criticized the Thane Municipal Corporation
(TMC) for delaying the demolition of an unauthorized mosque despite prior court
orders. A bench comprising Justices AS Gadkari and Kamal Khata rejected TMC's
explanation, stressing that no individual or group can oppose the law in a
democratic state.
The case stemmed from a petition by the New
Shree Swami Samartha Borivade Housing Company Pvt Ltd, which sought the removal
of the structure encroaching on its land. Following an inspection, TMC
identified the mosque — a 3,600-square-foot, two-storey building — as an
unauthorized construction. Despite a demolition order issued on January 27,
efforts to carry it out were obstructed by a crowd on February 19.
The Court criticized TMC for failing to prevent
the mosque's construction despite repeated complaints. It rejected TMC’s
request for an extended demolition timeline and ordered the remaining
demolition work to be completed by April 14, 2025, after Ramadan.
The
Court also warned against any attempts to rebuild the structure and held TMC
officers accountable for enforcing the order.
