The historic Race Course Masjid near the Prime Minister’s official residence in New Delhi is at the centre of a dispute after its water and electricity connections were disconnected and the mosque’s management was reportedly asked to vacate the premises within six days.
The Delhi Waqf Board has described Race Course Masjid as a 300-year-old mosque and urged the Land and Development Office (L&DO) to protect the historic religious structure and adjoining graveyard. In a letter dated October 19, 2026, the Board sought the restoration of electricity and water connections, alleging that the essential services were disconnected during a demolition drive in the area.
The Board also stated that the mosque is included in the New Delhi Municipal Council’s heritage list and has been registered on the UMEED portal. According to its letter, electricity and water supplies were disconnected on October 7 during the removal of nearby jhuggis.
A senior NDMC official, speaking to PTI, said the action was part of a wider demolition drive affecting several properties in the area.
“There is an ongoing demolition drive going on in the area on the court’s order. Many properties, including the mosque, got their water and electricity connections disrupted after the L&DO’s order,” the official said.
The official added that several families living nearby had also been affected. The NDMC has not publicly clarified the disconnection of the mosque’s utilities in the reports reviewed.
Imam Maulana Haroon Rahi said the mosque’s electricity and water supplies had been cut since October 7. Speaking to media, he said he had not received a written demolition notice, although officials had verbally informed him about the matter.
The Imam said the lack of electricity had left the mosque in darkness at night and that a generator had been arranged to help manage water requirements.
He also appealed to the government to allow worshippers to enter the premises, restore essential services and ensure that the mosque was not damaged.
Separately, speaking to Maktoob after the Waqf Board’s intervention, Haroon described its letter as a “good” development. “I have done whatever I can. I am just an imam; the Waqf Board is the legal authority,” he said.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi urged Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to intervene and questioned the Waqf Board’s handling of the matter.
AAP leader and Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan also raised concerns over the reported eviction notice, citing the mosque’s historical significance and heritage listing.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind met Rijiju and submitted a memorandum seeking protection for the mosque and adjoining graveyard, restoration of utilities and uninterrupted access for worshippers. The minister reportedly assured the delegation that he would make every possible effort.
The dispute now centres on the mosque’s Waqf and heritage status, the government’s position on the land, and the legal process governing any proposed eviction or demolition.
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