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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court, in a plea by the Managing Committee of the Delhi Waqf Board, has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to maintain the status quo on the land, where the historic 600-year-old Akhoondji/Akhunji mosque stood, until the next hearing on February 12, 2024.

The bench of Justice Sachin Datta clarified that the status quo applies solely to this specific property and doesn't prevent the DDA from taking action against other illegal properties.

The petitioner's counsel, Advocate Sham Khwaja, argued that the mosque's demolition lacked notice, emphasizing its historical presence for nearly 600–700 years. He alleged the destruction of the madrasa and graveyard and damage to Quran copies during the process.

DDA Standing Counsel Sanjay Katyal denied the claims, assuring the safekeeping of religious books in officials' custody. The DDA contended that the mosque demolition followed the Religious Committee's recommendations, citing it as an encroachment on forest land.

The court, considering the arguments, imposed the status quo.

The DDA reportedly razed the mosque and Behrul Uloom madrasa in Mehrauli on January 30, claiming the mosque's construction occurred during the Delhi sultanate period.

Case Title: Managing Committee of Delhi Waqf Board v. The Government of NCT (GNCT) Delhi & Ors.