Status quo to be maintained at disputed Durgadi Fort in Kalyan, orders court; no construction work till final hearing

Judge R G Waghmare of the Additional District Sessions Court in Kalyan said, “It is apparent that the dispute is sensitive being related to two different religions and the subject matter of the suit is historical place. It is also apparent that since filing of the suit, the status-quo order was maintained and therefore, it ought to have been continued as the appeal being continuation of the suit.”

“The very basic structure at the suit site on the day of passing impugned order, ought to have been maintained. But it appears that as there is no status-quo order, such construction activities are being carried out which may further create complications and multiplicity of proceedings. To prevent it, there is need of issuing injunction,” the judge stated.

On December 10, 2024, a civil court rejected the Muslim community’s claim over certain structures at the fort on the grounds that they had filed the plea beyond the time limit for such suits. It said the ownership was with the state government.

The court had refused to pass an order to maintain status quo, stating that the state government is competent to take care of the suit property, while directing that law and order be maintained by the government.

The Majlis-e-Mushawarat Kalyan, which had claimed ownership of the structures on the fort premises, including a masjid, an idgah wall and a prayer ground citing historical records, filed an appeal against the December order.

In the hearing on January 2, they sought that the status quo be maintained till the final disposal of their appeal, claiming – with photographs – that construction activities had begun on the site with extensive masonry work being carried out.

Representatives of a few Hindu organisations also filed a caveat before the court seeking to be heard before any order was passed.