New Delhi, June 15: The Delhi High Court has ordered the vacation and subsequent demolition of a mosque and madrasa located in Sarai Kale Khan’s Hazrat Nizamuddin area, citing public necessity for the property.
Justice Amit Sharma rejected the plea filed by Faizyab Masjid and Madrasa, which challenged the authorities’ decision to demolish the structures. The decision came after the mosque’s caretaker provided an undertaking to vacate the premises within one month and assured that no further efforts would be made to obstruct the demolition.
“In view of the undertaking given by the caretaker of the petitioner before this Court, respondents Nos 1 and 2 are directed to grant a period of one month to the petitioner or any other person claiming through it to vacate the subject premises i.e., Mosque and Madrasa situated at Khasra No 17, Bhehlolpur Khadar, Sarai Kale Khan, Hazrat Nizamuddin, New Delhi,” the court ordered.
The court emphasized that no extensions would be granted beyond the stipulated time. Following the caretaker’s submission, the petitioner’s counsel sought to withdraw the petition, leading to its dismissal.
The plea initially challenged the actions of the Delhi Police and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to demolish the mosque and madrasa, arguing that the demolition was illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional. The petitioner also demanded copies of the orders, minutes of meetings, and file notings that led to the demolition decision, as well as adequate time to pursue legal remedies and maintain status quo until these steps were taken.
The court’s decision underscores the ongoing legal and administrative processes concerning public land use and religious structures in the capital.
