India

High Court Seeks Explanation From DDA On 600-Year-Old Mosque Demolition In Delhi

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.

Srushti Sharma

Recent Posts

Maruti Suzuki Celebrates 3 Million Vehicle Export Milestone; Aims Higher

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd marked a milestone by exporting its 3 millionth vehicle in a…

14 mins ago

Sectarian Violence In Pakistan’s Kurram District Claims 88 Lives

The death toll from sectarian clashes in Kurram district, located in Pakistan’s northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa…

21 mins ago

India Celebrates 75th Constitution Day With Tributes And Resolutions

PM Modi reflected on the Constitution's significance, describing it as a "modern expression of India's…

34 mins ago

India’s iPhone Production Surges To $10 Billion In FY25; Bolstered By PLI Scheme

India's iPhone production hit $10 billion in the first seven months of FY25, according to…

41 mins ago

Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates; Several Areas Enter ‘Severe’ Category

Delhi's air quality worsened on Tuesday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) fell into the…

1 hour ago

Joe Biden And Jill Biden Confirm Attendance At Donald Trump’s Inauguration

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will attend inauguration of President-elect Donald…

2 hours ago