New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) not to take any coercive steps against the Shahi Idgah Managing Committee over a showcause notice demanding Rs 12.09 lakh for the use of Idgah Park during the annual Ijtema held in December 2024, reported the Hindustan Times.
The court’s direction came after senior advocate Sanjoy Ghose, representing the committee, informed that a suit is pending before the Waqf Tribunal seeking declaration, demarcation, and a permanent injunction regarding the Waqf property, including the adjoining park in Sadar Bazar. However, the Tribunal has remained non-functional due to lack of quorum since April 2023.
Justice Vikas Mahajan acknowledged the situation and instructed the DDA to refrain from coercive measures in relation to the notice issued on February 11. The court also sought a response from the DDA and listed the matter for further hearing on September 10.
In their plea, the managing committee asserted they have had uninterrupted possession and management of the Shahi Idgah and Idgah Park since the Mughal era, utilizing the land for religious and community purposes such as prayers and congregations. They also highlighted that the land was officially notified as Waqf property by the Delhi Waqf Board in 1970.
Disputing DDA’s claim of ownership, the committee contended that DDA’s maintenance of the park does not amount to ownership. They accused the DDA of arbitrarily issuing the showcause notice based on a misinterpretation of a 2024 High Court judgment that merely noted DDA’s possession, not ownership.
The notice in question demands charges for park usage during the Ijtema held from December 6–8, 2024, including Rs 9.77 lakh as booking fee, Rs 1.75 lakh for cleaning, and 18% GST.
