Delhi High Court Asks DDA To Explain Basis For Demolition Of 600-Yr-Old Mosque In Mehrauli

The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) as to what was the basis of demolishing a 600-year-old mosque, Masjid Akhonji, in city's Mehrauli area on January 30. The mosque also housed a Madarsa.

Justice Sachin Datta sought DDA's response within a week clearly stating as to whether any prior notice was given before taking the demolition action.

“Let the DDA file its reply within a period of one week clearly setting out the action that has been taken in respect of the concerned property and the basis thereof and as to whether any prior notice was given before taking the demolition action,” the court said.

The court was dealing with an urgent application against the demolition of the mosque, along with Madrasa Bahrul Uloom and various graves.

The application has been filed in a petition filed by the Managing Committee of Delhi Waqf Board pending adjudication since 2022.

It is the case of the Managing Committee of Delhi Waqf Board that the mosque and madarsa was demolished in a brazen manner on January 30. It is claimed that the Imam of the mosque, Zakir Hussain, and his family were left without shelter and their hutment was also demolished.

During the hearing yesterday, DDA's counsel submitted that the demolition action was taken pursuant to the recommendations of the Religious Committee dated January 04.

It was also submitted that prior to taking the said decision, the Religious Committee had afforded an opportunity of hearing to the CEO of Delhi Waqf Board.

On the other hand, the counsel appearing for the Managing Committee of Delhi Waqf Board submitted that the Religious Committee had no jurisdiction to order any demolition action.

The court said that the issue shall be considered on the next date of hearing and listed the matter for hearing on February 12.

Counsel for Petitioners: Mr. Shams Khwaja, Adv

Counsel for Respondents: Mr.AvishkarSinghvi, ASC, Mr.Naved Ahmed, Mr. Vivek Kr. Singh and Mr.Deokinandan Sharma, Advs. for GNCTD; Mr. Sanjay Katyal, Standing Counsel for DDA alongwith Mr. Nihal Singh, Adv. for DDA and Mr. Rahul, Legal Assistant, DDA; Mr. Farhat Jahan Rehmani and Mr. Firoz Iqbal Khan, Advs. for R-6

Title: THE MANAGING COMMITTEE OF DELHI WAQF BOARD v. THE GOVERNMENT OF NCT (GNCT), DELHI & ORS.

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