Two positions are now before the Delhi High Court on the Qadeemi Masjid: the Centre says the century-old mosque inside the Krishi Bhawan complex will be removed, while the Court has asked whether any rule bars prayer space for any community in government premises.
New Delhi: Asking whether any rules state that there can be no space for prayer for any community in a government area, the Delhi High Court on November 2, 2026 took up a plea on the Qadeemi Masjid, even as the Union Government has informed it in an affidavit that the more than 100-year-old mosque in the Krishi Bhawan compound is required to be removed for the redevelopment of the Common Central Secretariat, since a permanent religious structure in a central government office complex is, in its view, incompatible with the secular character of government property [Caretaking Committee, Qadeemi Masjid v. Union of India & Ors.].
Justice Anish Dayal asked the Centre’s counsel, Advocate Nishant Gautam, to convey the query to the Additional Solicitor General. The matter will be heard next on November 23.
What the Centre told the Court
In its affidavit, the government described Krishi Bhawan and the Central Secretariat complex as secular premises dedicated exclusively to governmental, administrative and public service functions.
“The establishment or retention of a permanent religious structure, or a demand for one, within the confines of a central government office complex is impermissible and incompatible with the secular character of Government property. That the public land situated within a central administrative zone cannot be encumbered by any permanent religious reservation.”
The Centre added that a mosque near India Gate, within a two-kilometre radius, is fully functional and can serve as a nearby prayer facility for anyone who needs one.
What the committee wants
The caretaking committee of Qadeemi Masjid moved the High Court apprehending demolition of the mosque as part of the Central Vista redevelopment. The mosque predates the government complex and has served as a place of worship for Muslim employees in Krishi Bhawan and neighbouring offices. The Delhi Waqf Board notified it as a Waqf property in 1970.
When the Court issued notice on the plea in September, the committee had said it did not oppose the Central Vista project and only wanted a place to pray.
A question, not a ruling
The Court’s question at the November 2 hearing was oral and did not decide anything. Justice Dayal wanted to know whether any rule prohibits a prayer space for any community within a government area, and asked that the query be placed before the ASG. The Court has not expressed any view on the merits of the plea.
Why the hearing matters
The case sets the mosque committee’s claim to continue worship at a notified Waqf property against the Centre’s position that public land in the administrative heart of the capital cannot carry a permanent religious reservation. Both sides invoke principle: the committee relies on its long use of the site and its Waqf status, while the government relies on the secular character of state premises and the availability of another mosque nearby.
By asking whether any rule actually supports the government’s stand, the Court has shifted the focus. Its answer, and the Centre’s reply at the next hearing, will shape how religious structures inside redeveloped government complexes are treated in the Central Vista project and beyond.
Case Title: Caretaking Committee, Qadeemi Masjid v. Union of India & Ors.
Bench: Justice Anish Dayal, Delhi High Court
Date of Hearing: November 2, 2026
Next Date: November 23, 2026
Appearances: Advocate Nishant Gautam for the Union Government