Calcutta High Court Allows Mosque Foundation Ceremony to Proceed in Murshidabad

The Calcutta High Court in Dr. Abdus Salam Shaikh v. The Union of India & Ors has refused to stop the foundation-stone ceremony for a mosque in Murshidabad, West Bengal, which is said to resemble the Babri Masjid demolished in 1992. The event, planned for December 6, was announced by suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who had proposed building the mosque in Beldanga.

After Kabir’s remarks triggered criticism, the Trinamool Congress suspended him and clarified that it had no connection with the event. A petition was later filed by Dr Abdus Salam Shaikh seeking directions to halt the ceremony, claiming it might disturb communal harmony.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, however, declined to stay the event. The Court noted that the complaint raised issues of law and order, which fall under the administration’s responsibility.

Advocate General Kishore Datta informed the Court that the district administration was fully alert and would ensure strict maintenance of peace and protection of public life and property. The Court recorded this assurance and disposed of the plea, directing the State to act according to its commitments.

The petitioner had also written to the Superintendent of Police on November 30, warning that the event could lead to unrest. The Central government told the Court that 19 companies of central armed forces were already deployed in Murshidabad under earlier court orders.

Considering these safeguards, the Bench saw no need to intervene further and closed the petition.