The Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier order on encroachments near the Haji Ali shrine in Mumbai, to protect the Kinara Mosque from demolition, PTI reported. The court also asked the Maharashtra government to decide within a week on the plea seeking regularisation of the mosque.
A bench comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud said with the consent of all parties including the Haji Ali Trust, that if the state government rejects the regularisation plea, nobody will oppose the demolition of portions of the mosque built on encroached land.
The bench initially suggested that the parties should agree to shifting of the mosque to some other place. The Bombay High Court had earlier ordered the clearing of all encroachments near the Haji Ali shrine and formed a task force. The apex court had upheld the ruling.
The Supreme Court had also given the Maharashtra government two weeks’ time starting July 3 to clear the encroachments, and warned of “serious consequences” if it failed to do so. The bench has now fixed the matter for hearing after one week.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!