Mumbai Airport Mosque Row: Somaiya Holds ‘Hammer’ Rally Today

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya is scheduled to hold a ‘hammer’ rally today, October 24, demanding the demolition of an allegedly unauthorised mosque near Terminal 2 of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The proposed mobilisation follows a protest march he held near the terminal on October 22, as the dispute over construction permissions, land ownership and airport security concerns continues to draw scrutiny from government and civic authorities.

Somaiya alleges that the structure stands approximately 50 metres from the VIP arrival gate, near taxi stands and parking facilities. In a legal notice dated October 14, sent through advocate Jitendra G. Sharma to Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) Chief Administrative Officer Vishnu Jha, he demanded urgent removal of the approximately 2,000-square-foot structure.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) stated in a September 8 communication that it had not granted permission for the construction and that the notified airport area's development plan did not designate a site for public worship. It directed MIAL to initiate appropriate action under the applicable legal procedures.

Following a September 10 inspection, the MMRDA summoned Ashabul Janna Airport Charitable Trust for a hearing on October 5, seeking construction approvals. Proceedings cited a prima facie violation of Section 45 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, with potential removal action under Section 53(6). The hearing’s final outcome has not been confirmed in the available reporting.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) separately questioned the water connection. Following a September 16 inspection, officials reportedly identified a 15-millimetre pipeline and sought approval documents or disconnection within seven days.

The dispute has also drawn political opposition to Somaiya’s campaign. AIMIM leader Waris Pathan criticised the proposed rally, arguing that demolition demands should not pressure authorities while the matter is reportedly pending before the court. Representatives associated with the mosque have disputed the allegations, claiming the prayer site was established with the knowledge of the former airport operator, GVK, and citing a 2015 letter.

Somaiya has additionally alleged irregularities involving approximately 5,000 square feet of Airports Authority of India land, citing an August 21, 2015, letter.

The rally is scheduled for today, but its conduct and any subsequent demolition remain unconfirmed. The structure’s legal status and land ownership remain disputed, requiring clarification through official records and legal proceedings.