The Supreme Court on Monday (February 17) issued a contempt notice to the district magistrate (DM) of Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, over the alleged demolition of a portion of Madni Masjid in violation of its earlier order barring demolitions without prior notice.

A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih also directed the Kushinagar district administration to halt any further demolition activities until the next hearing scheduled for March 18, Hindustan Times reported.

Observing that the act was in clear defiance of its November 2024 ruling, the apex court stated, “The demolition which was made is in egregious contempt of the directions issued by this court.”

The court has sought a response from the DM on why contempt proceedings should not be initiated.

The demolition of a section of Madni Masjid in Hata took place on February 9, with authorities claiming it was built illegally.

However, The Wire reported that Haji Hamid Khan, the mosque’s chief administrator, refuted the allegations, asserting that the structure stood on registered land and was approved by the municipality. He accused the administration of acting unilaterally and demolishing the mosque “based on lies.”

Individuals associated with the mosque have claimed they received no official directive from the municipality regarding any alleged unauthorised construction.