Muslim and rights groups question the demolition of over 23 Islamic properties in 45 days

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The demolition of more than 23 mosques, Islamic schools and Eid prayer grounds in India over about 45 days has raised concerns among Muslim and human rights groups.

The demolitions, reported mainly in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have led to accusations that Muslim properties are being targeted under the claim that they violate building rules or occupy government land.

Authorities, however, say the demolitions are aimed at buildings they consider illegal or built on government land. They maintain that the actions are part of efforts to enforce building laws and remove encroachments.

Several of the reported demolitions took place in Uttar Pradesh, while authorities in Gujarat also removed dozens of buildings in the Kutch region, including a mosque and Islamic educational and religious facilities.

Muslim and human rights groups have questioned the way the demolitions are being carried out, especially in areas with large Muslim populations. They said some affected people were not given enough time to challenge the decisions before the structures were removed.

Activists have described the practice as “bulldozer justice,” accusing authorities of using demolitions as punishment without following normal court procedures.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board are among the Islamic organisations that have condemned the actions, saying they violate the constitutional rights of Muslims.

Human rights groups have also taken some of the cases to court, seeking an end to what they describe as arbitrary demolitions. They are also calling for authorities to give prior notice and allow affected people to challenge demolition orders in court.

The legal concerns are linked to provisions of the Indian Constitution that guarantee equality before the law, freedom to practise religion and protection of life and dignity. Previous rulings by India’s Supreme Court have also stressed the need to follow legal procedures before demolishing structures.

International human rights organisations have previously criticised the use of bulldozers against Muslim homes and properties, warning that building law enforcement should not become a form of collective punishment or religious discrimination.

Local authorities have rejected claims that the demolitions are based on religion, saying illegal structures are being removed regardless of who owns them. Human rights groups, however, are calling for greater transparency and evidence that building laws are being applied equally across religious communities.

The demolitions have added to wider concerns about the rights and freedoms of Muslims in India, particularly in states governed by the BJP, amid continuing debate over religious tensions and policies affecting the country’s Muslim population.

Source: Shia Wave