Delhi High Court Disposes Petition On Jhansi Ki Rani Laxmibai Statue Installation

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition concerning the installation of a statue of Jhansi Ki Rani Laxmibai in Shahi Idgah Park. During the proceedings, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) asserted that they placed the statue a proper distance from the Idgah, specifically 200 meters away, to respect the religious sentiments of the Muslim community.

In the previous hearing, the court learn that the statue installed in a corner of the park, with a wall constructed on three sides to further delineate the area.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) emphasized its commitment to respecting religious sentiments while carrying out beautification efforts in the park, which the High Court had previously directed.

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The Shahi Idgah Managing Committee submitted a written apology to the court, following an earlier directive to do so. The court had urged the parties involved to keep communal politics out of judicial discussions, highlighting that the language used in the petition appeared to promote communal strife rather than address legitimate concerns.

The court also expressed displeasure over arguments suggesting that the statue’s installation could lead to law and order issues, asserting that Jhansi Ki Rani is a national hero and a matter of pride for the country. In defense of their position, the committee referenced a 1970 gazette notification declaring Shahi Idgah Park an ancient property established during the Mughal period, which serves as a significant site for offering prayers, with capacity for over 50,000 worshippers at a time.