Police in the Pilibhit district apprehended three people on Tuesday after an alleged attempt to construct a church without mandatory administrative permission, according to officials familiar with the matter, as authorities stepped up scrutiny of unauthorised religious structures amid heightened local sensitivities.Officers said the action followed information received by the local police station that construction activity had begun on private land without clearances required under district-level regulations governing land use and religious buildings. A police team visited the site, halted the work and took three individuals into custody for questioning. Preliminary inquiries suggested that no approval had been granted by the district administration or local civic authorities for a change of land use or for erecting a place of worship.
An officer involved in the investigation said the case centres on alleged violations of administrative procedures rather than theological practice. “The issue is the absence of permissions mandated by law. Construction of any religious structure requires prior approval, irrespective of faith,” the officer said, adding that the matter would be examined under applicable sections dealing with unauthorised construction and public order.
District officials indicated that a report has been sought from the revenue department to establish land ownership and zoning status. The administration is also reviewing whether the site falls within areas where additional clearances are required because of proximity to residential clusters or public roads. Statements of neighbours and local representatives are being recorded to determine whether the activity had triggered objections or complaints.
The Pilibhit building dispute over an alleged church site has drawn attention to a broader policy emphasis in Uttar Pradesh on enforcing rules that regulate construction of religious structures. Over the past year, district administrations across the state have reiterated that any new religious building, expansion or conversion of use must receive written permission following a review of land records, local impact and law-and-order considerations. Officials say the policy is intended to prevent disputes, ensure transparency and avoid communal friction.
Legal experts note that administrative approvals typically involve multiple steps, including verification of land titles, a no-objection certificate from local bodies and compliance with building by-laws. Failure to secure these clearances can attract penalties, demolition orders or criminal proceedings if authorities believe public order may be affected. “Courts have consistently held that the state has the authority to regulate construction to maintain civic order, provided the rules are applied uniformly,” a senior advocate said.
Local police stressed that the arrests were preventive and part of routine enforcement. The three individuals were produced before a magistrate, and police said they would seek further directions based on the outcome of the land and records verification. No injuries or clashes were reported at the site, and the area remained calm following the intervention.
Community leaders in Pilibhit urged restraint and adherence to the law. Some residents said they were unaware of any permission being sought, while others cautioned against speculation until the administrative review is complete. “Disputes arise when procedures are bypassed. Transparency would help avoid misunderstandings,” said a local representative.
The episode comes against a backdrop of heightened administrative vigilance in several districts, where authorities have issued notices and conducted surveys to identify structures lacking approvals. Officials argue that consistent enforcement is necessary to uphold zoning laws and prevent encroachments, while civil society groups have called for clear communication and fair processes to ensure that lawful religious activities are not impeded.