Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Bombay High Court: No Relief for Illegal Dargah Demolition
The Bombay High Court said that even if people claim a religious site exists on land, it doesn't make it legal if it was built without permission.
A trust tried to stop the demolition of a structure they said was a historic Dargah, but the court said they didn't have the right documents to prove they owned the land or had permission to build.
The court said that just because people visit the site doesn't mean it is legal.
The court has ordered the structure to be torn down.
Bombay High Court refused to recall demolition of an illegal Dargah.
The court stated religious claims cannot justify land grabs.
The trust seeking protection for the structure failed to prove ownership or construction permission.
Thane Municipal Corporation was directed to proceed with the demolition within two weeks.
The court criticized the trust for delaying tactics and attempting to frustrate demolition orders.
- Who
- Bombay High Court, a trust representing a Dargah, Thane Municipal Corporation.
- What
- Bombay High Court refused to halt demolition of an illegal Dargah.
- When
- July 2025, order issued by the Bombay High Court.
- Where
- Bombay High Court, land in Thane.
- Why
- The court found that the trust could not prove legal ownership or construction permission.
Trust's Claims
Court's Ruling
Legitimacy of the Structure
Trust's Claims
The structure is a historic Dargah dating back to 1882.
Court's Ruling
The court found that there was no evidence to support the claim that the trust owned the land or had permission to build the structure.
Hearing
Trust's Claims
The trust claimed they were denied a hearing and that they were not heard before demolition orders.
Court's Ruling
The court pointed out that a hearing had already been conducted in January 2025 and a demolition order was passed following due process.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Legal Issue
- Land ownership and illegal construction
- Structure
- Dargah
- Location
- Thane
- Order
- Demolition within two weeks
- Plaintiff
- Gazi Salauddin Rehmatulla Hoole