The Land and Development Office (L&DO) has informed the Delhi High Court that it will not demolish Race Course Masjid until it decides on a representation submitted by the Delhi Waqf Board. The assurance was given on Thursday before Justice Anish Dayal during the hearing of a petition seeking protection of the mosque against the threat of demolition. However, worshippers continue to face restrictions on accessing the mosque to offer namaz.
The mosque is located inside the Race Course Club, which occupies around 53 acres near the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi.
Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit told the court that the Waqf Board’s representation would be decided as expeditiously as possible, within four weeks. He assured the court that no action would be taken against the mosque in the meantime.
However, Dixit questioned the petitioner’s right to file the plea, arguing that allowing multiple worshippers to approach the court in similar cases could open a “Pandora’s box”.
Advocate M. Sufian Siddiqui, representing petitioner Syed Ahmed Saud, objected to this submission.
During an earlier hearing, Siddiqui had argued that the mosque faced an imminent threat of demolition. He also submitted that restrictions on entry and exit had prevented worshippers from accessing the mosque.
The petitioner further alleged that the Delhi Waqf Board had failed to take adequate steps to protect the mosque and fulfil its statutory responsibilities.
Saud has approached the court claiming that he has an independent right to practise his religion and has been denied access to the mosque.
The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for December 16.
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