Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Stone-pelting and clashes with police were reported on Monday during protests against the proposed partial demolition of the Shahi Masjid for road widening ahead of Simhastha 2028.

Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.

The administration is preparing to remove portions of the historic mosque to facilitate road widening ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, scheduled for 2028. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation plans to widen a road near the mosque to 15 metres as part of the preparations.

The proposed removal reportedly affects a portion of the mosque's prayer hall, a 120-foot minaret and the Mazhar Chowk Shahi.

Members of the Muslim community gathered in large numbers at the mosque on Sunday, with some planning to stay inside overnight and refusing to vacate the premises. Several companies of local police personnel have been deployed in the area, with officials attempting to persuade mosque committee members and residents to cooperate with the proposed demolition.

The mosque authorities have challenged the proposed action before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which is scheduled to hear their appeal on Monday, September 28.

On September 9, the High Court dismissed two petitions challenging the municipal corporation's decision, holding that the authorities had followed the required legal procedures. The mosque authorities subsequently approached a division bench against the decision.

The dispute centres on the proposed removal of portions of the historic mosque to make way for road expansion ahead of Simhastha 2028. Members of the Muslim community have opposed the move, seeking to protect the religious structure from demolition.