Notices Served to Mosque and Madrasa in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

A revenue court in Mohanlalganj, Uttar Pradesh, has issued notices to four managers of a mosque and a madrasa in Khujhouli village, near Lucknow, following an investigation into alleged encroachment. The probe, triggered by complaints on the state government’s public grievances portal, revealed that permanent structures covering roughly 0.03 hectares were built on land designated as a pond. Initiated under Section 67 of the UP Revenue Code, 2006, the proceedings require the managers to appear on October 29 to submit relevant land documents and challenge the findings. No final eviction or demolition order has been issued, as the case involves only a specific portion of the property.

The legal action has caused widespread anxiety among residents, who fear that this localised dispute could escalate into broader measures against the institutions. The inspection report did not clarify how long the structures have existed or identify the registered owner of the plot. The upcoming hearing serves as a key test of whether the management board can successfully refute the government’s land classification. Meanwhile, community members are watching closely to see if due process will protect the religious sites from potential eviction actions.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tension surrounding Muslim religious properties across Uttar Pradesh. In a recent case in Saharanpur, authorities demolished a mosque located inside a government administrative complex after a court ruled it an illegal encroachment. That demolition sparked intense criticism from Muslim organisations and political leaders, who argued that the managing board was not granted adequate opportunity to challenge the verdict. The event underscored growing concerns over procedural fairness and the administrative handling of long-standing religious sites.

Prominent leaders strongly condemned the Saharanpur demolition and urged respect for legal procedures. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi denounced the action, expressing deep concern over religious freedom and the legal rights of minority communities. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind announced it is reviewing historical land records to determine further legal steps. At the same time, former Chief Minister Mayawati criticised the hasty action and urged authorities to respect religious institutions. The October 29 hearing in Mohanlalganj will now determine how the Lucknow management defends its land claims.