The High Court has instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to explain by January 30 the reason behind the demolition of Masjid Akhonji, a 600-year-old mosque in the Mehrauli area. The mosque also housed a madrasa. Justice Sachin Dutta has asked the DDA to respond within a week, specifically addressing whether any prior notice was given before carrying out the demolition.
Pending petition
This directive was issued during the hearing of an application filed against the demolition of the mosque, Madrasa Bahrul Uloom, and several graves. The Managing Committee of the Delhi Waqf Board submitted the application, which has been pending since 2022.
The managing committee alleges that the mosque and madrasa were demolished on January 30, leaving the mosque’s Imam Zakir Hussain and his family without shelter as their hut was also dismantled.
In the courtroom, the DDA’s lawyer stated that the demolition was executed based on the recommendations of the religious committee on January 4. Moreover, before making the decision, the religious committee had provided a hearing opportunity to the CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board.
Hearing scheduled
Contrarily, the lawyer representing the Managing Committee of Delhi Waqf Board argued that the religious committee lacks the jurisdiction to order any demolition. The court has scheduled further consideration of the issue for the next hearing on February 12.
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