Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to provide a justification for the demolition of the 600-year-old Akhoondji mosque in Delhi, which was reportedly carried out without prior notice.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished a historic mosque in Mehrauli, Delhi, that had stood for over 600 years. The Masjid Akhonji, also housing the Madrasa Bahrul Uloom and sacred graves, was razed without prior notice under heavy police presence, sparking widespread shock and disbelief among local residents, worshippers, and students.
Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court on Wednesday has since demanded an explanation from the DDA, instructing them to clarify the rationale behind the demolition, whether any notice was issued beforehand, and the actions taken. This directive came amidst hearings where the DDA cited recommendations from a Religious Committee dated January 4 as the basis for their actions, a claim contested by the Delhi Waqf Board’s counsel who argued the committee lacked jurisdiction for such orders.
Imam Zakir Hussain, the mosque’s imam, lamented the loss, highlighting the mosque’s role not just as a place of worship but as an educational institution. He accused the DDA officials of removing evidence of the demolition and forcibly taking phones from witnesses to prevent documentation of the event. The imam also claimed that sacred texts and personal belongings of the madrasa’s students were destroyed.
This incident has reignited concerns over the treatment of Muslim-owned properties, coming months after assurances were given to the Delhi High Court by the DDA that no mosque, graveyard, or legally owned Waqf property would be demolished in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. The demolition has been criticized online as “unconstitutional” and reflective of a broader trend of targeted demolitions against Muslim properties by various state governments. This event not only raises questions about religious freedom and property rights but also about the transparency and accountability of the authorities involved.
Also read- Varanasi Court Verdict: Hindu Rituals Permitted In Gyanvapi (lawchakra.in)