Mosque at Mumbai airport declared illegal, authorities ordered to remove structure

Following a complaint, MMRDA said no permission was granted for the mosque's construction near Terminal 2's VIP arrival and taxi stand area.BJP leader Kirit Somaiya visited the mosque's location on September 3. (Screengrab)The controversy over a mosque near Terminal 2 of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has intensified after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) declared the structure unauthorised and directed airport operator Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) to take steps for its removal, following due process.The development comes after a complaint was received by the MMRDA regarding the structure located near the VIP arrival and taxi stand area of Terminal 2.In a letter dated September 8, the authority stated that no permission had been granted by it for the construction of the mosque at the site.The MMRDA further said that the Interim Development Plan (IDP) for the notified area does not provide for any site or plot for a public place of worship. The authority’s communication also referred to the responsibilities assigned to MIAL under the Operation, Management and Development Agreement (OMDA).Under the agreement, MIAL is responsible for the planning, development, construction and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities within the notified airport area. Based on these provisions, the MMRDA asked MIAL to initiate the necessary action to remove the unauthorised structure while ensuring that all applicable legal procedures are followed.The issue was brought into focus by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who visited the airport complex along with officials on September 3.Somaiya had alleged that the mosque had been constructed without the required permissions in the taxi parking area near Terminal 2.After the MMRDA issued its letter, Somaiya shared the communication on social media and claimed that the state authority had confirmed that the structure was illegal and had instructed MIAL to demolish it."MMRDA (Maharashtra Govt) says it's illegal Masjid. NO permission given MMRDA asked MIAL Mumbai International Airport Ltd to demolish the ilegal Structure/Masjid immediately. I requested MIAL & MMRDA to register FIR against the Trustees, Persons behind this Land JIHAD," he wrote on X, sharing a copy of the order.Mumbai Airport "Land JIHAD"MMRDA (Maharashtra Govt) says it's illegal Masjid. NO permission givenMMRDA asked MIAL Mumbai International Airport Ltd to demolish the ilegal Structure/Masjid immediately.I requested MIAL & MMRDA to register FIR against the Trustees, Persons pic.twitter.com/OnZKYe8p53— Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) September 10, 2026He also said that a show-cause notice had been issued in connection with the matter and that further action was expected within around two weeks.The matter is now expected to move to the next stage as MIAL considers the directions issued by the MMRDA.Any action against the structure will have to be carried out in accordance with the prescribed legal and administrative process.The issue is likely to remain under scrutiny as authorities proceed with the show-cause notice and other steps concerning the disputed construction.- EndsPublished On: Sep 10, 2026 19:15 IST