Maulana Mohammed Haroon said on Monday that electricity and water supplies had been disconnected and the mosque’s gates closed, preventing worshippers from attending regular prayers. He accused the Land and Development Office (L&DO), which administers government land, of imposing restrictions without adequately addressing the mosque’s religious status.
The dispute intensified after Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind approached Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on October 19, requesting immediate protection for the mosque and its adjoining graveyard. The organisation also demanded restoration of essential services and unrestricted access for worshippers.
A delegation led by Jamiat general secretary Maulana Muhammad Hakimuddin Qasmi submitted a memorandum on behalf of the organisation’s president, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani. It urged the government to examine official records before permitting any action affecting the property.
The organisation said Rijiju listened to its representations and assured the delegation that he would make every possible effort to address its concerns. No formal government decision suspending potential eviction or demolition proceedings was announced following the meeting.
The L&DO has maintained that the premises occupy government land and are unauthorised, according to the position conveyed in the eviction notice. Mosque representatives dispute that assessment, arguing that the property enjoys recognition through historical records and its designation as a waqf institution.
An independently confirmed demolition order has not emerged, and the precise legal basis for any proposed demolition remains unclear. The imam’s account of the six-day deadline has nevertheless heightened uncertainty over the mosque’s immediate future.
Haroon, who has served at the mosque for approximately four decades, said the disruption had affected daily religious activities. He maintained that utility bills had been paid regularly and questioned the decision to disconnect supplies.
The imam also claimed that worshippers had stopped visiting because they feared administrative action. The restrictions, he said, had made it difficult to conduct congregational prayers and maintain normal religious activities.
Jamiat’s memorandum cited several official documents to support its position that the mosque possesses recognised historical and religious significance. These included an entry in the New Delhi Municipal Council’s heritage register, where the organisation identified the property at serial number 22.
It also referred to the Delhi Gazette of 1977, identifying an entry at serial number 18, and a revised property listing associated with the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
The organisation argued that these records warranted a careful examination of the mosque’s status before any irreversible administrative action. The existence of heritage references, however, does not independently settle questions of land ownership or determine whether eviction proceedings are legally permissible.
Jamiat requested that the authorities obtain relevant information from the Delhi Waqf Board and the New Delhi Municipal Council before proceeding further. It also sought safeguards against demolition without completion of applicable legal procedures.
The organisation said it would pursue available legal remedies and other lawful measures to protect the mosque and graveyard. Its representations emphasised the importance of maintaining access to the premises while questions concerning ownership and administrative jurisdiction remain unresolved.
The mosque stands near the Prime Minister’s official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, behind Safdarjung Tomb. Its location within a prominent government-administered area has brought additional attention to the dispute over the property’s status.
Former Delhi legislator Amanatullah Khan also raised concerns about the possibility of demolition, citing information received from the imam. His intervention reflected growing apprehension among representatives associated with the mosque, although no confirmed demolition schedule was established.
The controversy involves separate questions concerning government land administration, waqf registration and heritage documentation. The competing claims require examination of the relevant records and any notices issued by the competent authorities.
Jamiat’s delegation included Delhi unit president Maulana Muhammad Qasim Noori, vice-president Maulana Qari Arif Qasmi and organisational representative Hafiz Yusuf Azmi.
Haroon, identified by the organisation as the mosque’s imam and khatib, also participated in the meeting. Other members included Maulana Ziaullah Qasmi and Maulana Arshad Nadwi.
The memorandum specifically requested restoration of water and electricity connections, alongside permission for worshippers to enter the mosque for daily prayers.
