Muslim bodies denounce demolitions of religious structures, seek legal relief

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Damaged structure of a building after a demolition drive carried out by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in an alleged illegal area at Turkman Gate, near Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on January 8, 2026. | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

Several prominent Muslim bodies have united to denounce the spate of demolitions of mosques, madrasas and dargahs across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. They have also decided to seek legal relief over these actions.

“An undeclared emergency is effectively in force in the country today. Demolishing people’s homes and places of worship while disregarding legal procedures and court rulings is contrary to the fundamental principles of the Constitution. If governments begin dispensing justice through bulldozers instead of courts, what is the meaning of the rule of law and citizens’ rights? The government cannot act as a judge; determining legality and illegality is the responsibility of the judiciary alone,” Arshad Madani, president, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind said.

His viewpoint was supported by the spokesman of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind who expressed “grave concern over demolition drives affecting religious structures, residential buildings and vulnerable communities across several States” and promised legal help for those fighting demolitions carried out without following the due process of law.

“Jamaat-e-Islami Hind will continue to support the victims of these demolitions and advocate for their rights at all levels. We reiterate that protecting the rights, dignity, and security of all citizens remains fundamental to upholding the constitutional and democratic framework of the nation,” the spokesman said.

In a separate conference, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board bemoaned the marginalisation of minorities as manifest in the demolition of mosques in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner. The Board promised to launch a “nationwide movement in collaboration with justice-loving people from across communities” agains