New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed Uttar Pradesh authorities to respond to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for razing a portion of a mosque in Kushinagar, allegedly violating the court’s previous directions.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih ordered that no further demolition of the structure take place until further notice. The bench issued the order while hearing a contempt plea concerning the authorities' failure to comply with the top court's November 13, 2024, guidelines.

The contempt plea filed through advocate Abdul Qadir Abbasi alleged that the authorities demolished the outer and front section of the Madni mosque on February 9, 2025, despite the court’s directions. Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the petitioners, argued that the mosque had been constructed on private land with the proper sanction from municipal authorities, dating back to 1999.

Ahmadi emphasized that the demolition was carried out in "egregious contempt" of the court's ruling. The petitioners also claimed that the demolition violated the fundamental principles of natural justice, as the authorities failed to provide them with an opportunity for a hearing.

The petition argued that the demolition, done in haste, disregarded the religious sentiments of the local Muslim community who rely on the mosque for religious practices. The plea also detailed that the land for the mosque was purchased through registered sale deeds spanning from 1988 to 2013 and was sanctioned by the nagar panchayat in 1999.

The court’s November 2024 verdict laid down strict guidelines for demolitions, prohibiting demolitions without prior show cause notices and a 15-day time frame for responses. These rules, however, do not apply to unauthorised structures in public spaces, such as roads or railways. The verdict also highlighted that demolitions must follow local municipal laws or the stipulated 15-day period.

The Supreme Court sought a response from the authorities and postponed further hearings for two weeks. It also ordered that no further demolitions take place until additional instructions are issued.