CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi. The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Union government and the Delhi Waqf Board on a petition linked to fears that a mosque located inside the Race Course Club premises could be demolished. The court has fixed the next hearing in the matter for October 29. On behalf of the Union government, a verbal assurance was given to the court that no demolition action would be taken against the mosque until the next hearing.
The petition was filed before the bench of Justice Anish Dayal by Syed Ahmed Saud, who offers namaz at the mosque. Appearing for the petitioner, advocate M. Sufiyan Siddiqui argued that obstacles were being created in access to and from the mosque, causing difficulties for worshippers in entering the premises.
Questions were also raised over the disconnection of electricity and water. The petition claimed that the cutting off of electricity and water supply to the mosque had increased concerns about its future. According to the petitioner, the mosque was notified as waqf property in the government gazette in 1977. It was also cited as having the status of a Grade-2 heritage structure. The counsel for the Delhi Waqf Board told the court that an application had been submitted before the authorities concerned on October 19, but no decision had been taken on it.
The Centre cited security reasons. Counsel for the Union government Ashish Dixit said the electricity and water supply had been stopped keeping public safety in mind during demolition activity going on nearby. He sought time to take instructions from the authorities in the matter. The court was also informed that a temple is located on the premises. The court will now hear the matter further on October 29. By then, the position is expected to become clearer on the responses of the parties concerned and on issues linked to the mosque’s security, access and other facilities.
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