MEERUT The Mustafa Mosque, a nearly 40-year-old place of worship spread across around 300 square metres near Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) in Moradabad, has come under the scrutiny of the Moradabad Development Authority (MDA) following a complaint alleging that the structure was constructed without approval of a building map.
An investigation found that plot number 1180 in revenue village Pakbara, measuring 0.1620 hectares, was recorded in the revenue records under Category 6(1) as uncultivated submerged land or pond land. In December 2025, the court, acting under Section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, passed an eviction order against the encroachment. The court also imposed compensation of ₹ 1,73,340 and litigation expenses of ₹ 4,000 on the person held responsible for the illegal occupation. Following the court’s decision, the construction raised on plot number 1180 was demolished and the pond land was cleared of the alleged encroachment.
A complaint had been filed regarding the construction. The investigation found that the Baba Faulad Shah shrine had initially been constructed on the land. Subsequently, the property was allegedly encroached upon by one Mahboob and gradually permanent construction was carried out there. During the hearing, the DM court underlined the importance of ponds and their role beyond simply storing water. The court observed that ponds contribute to maintaining ecological balance, preserving groundwater levels, protecting animals, birds and aquatic organisms and facilitating rainwater harvesting. The DM court dismissed the appeal and upheld the order passed by the Sadar tehsildar.
The matter was taken before the court of the Sadar tehsildar. Mahboob subsequently challenged the tehsildar court’s order before the district magistrate’s court.
