October 19, 2025

Big changes are happening in Ahmedabad! The Supreme Court on Friday said a big “no” to a plea that wanted to save the ancient Mancha Masjid’s prayer hall. Why? Because a part of this 400-year-old mosque had to be removed to widen a busy road. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi heard from the Mansa Masjid Trust lawyer, who begged to protect the mosque. But the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, through advocate Astha Mehta, explained that only a small, empty land patch and part of a mosque platform would be affected—not the main mosque building. This was to ease traffic jams on a crucial road. Astha Mehta also mentioned something spicy – a temple was completely demolished and some residents willingly gave up their properties too! All this was done to make way for the road widening, a plan meant to help many people. The bench said clearly, "It is not a case of infringement of right to religion under Article 25." They also pointed out that the Wakf Board could get compensation only if it proves the land belongs to them. So, perhaps they can get bigger land to build a new mosque for prayers. When the mosque’s lawyer insisted the prayer hall must be protected, the judges said, “No such action is contemplated. A temple has been dismantled, and they did not claim any compensation.” They assured the Wakf Board that compensation is possible under the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporation Act (GPMC Act) if they prove ownership. The state government had told the High Court that widening Saraspur road is a must to reduce heavy traffic and boost growth. This road connects Kalupur railway station and Ahmedabad Metro – key spots in the city. So, in this tug of war between heritage and progress, the court backed urban development and public interest. But it also left a door open for rightful compensation. Can a new mosque rise from this challenge? Time will tell!

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Tags: Mancha masjid, Road widening, Ahmedabad, Supreme court, Property demolition, Public interest,