The court prevents any bulldozer action until the next hearing scheduled for October 28, amid disputes over land ownership and procedural concerns
NEW DELHI — The Delhi High Court has granted crucial relief to the mosque situated in the Mangolpuri area by extending its stay order on the demolition of the religious structure. This move halts any immediate bulldozer operations by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and signals the court’s intent to closely examine the case before permitting any further action. The case’s next hearing is now scheduled for October 28.
The dispute arose after recent attempts by the MCD to begin demolition work in the Mangolpuri area. Petitioners in the case allege that the MCD proceeded with demolition activities despite a clear court order, and crucially, without completing the demarcation process necessary to determine the exact ownership of the mosque and the adjoining madrasa land.
A spokesperson for the mosque committee welcomed the court’s decision to extend the stay. “The ownership of the land must be established before any irreversible steps are taken”, he said. Similarly, a representative from the Madrasa Welfare Association said the extension has “given us time to prepare our arguments and ensure that justice is served without haste.”
Earlier, the high court had imposed an interim stay on demolition until July 9, which has now been extended following a status report filed by the MCD and the request of the mosque committee and madrasa association for additional time to present their counter arguments.
The petitioners argue that proceeding with demolition without clear land demarcation violates legal procedures and may amount to contempt of court. The petition states, “There has been no clear demarcation regarding the ownership of the mosque and madrasa land. Any demolition at this stage is not only against the rules but also undermines the authority of the court.”
The MCD submitted a status report to the court, but the demolition has been put on hold until the next hearing. The court’s directive is clear: no bulldozers or demolition activities can be undertaken on the mosque premises until the dispute is resolved through legal channels.
Legal experts have noted that such stays are common in cases involving religious structures where ownership and rights are contested. Advocate Meera Sharma, who is following the case, said, “The court’s decision reflects its cautious approach in matters involving places of worship, especially where property rights are unclear.”
As the matter awaits the October 28 hearing, the residents of Mangolpuri and members of the mosque committee express cautious optimism. “We are relieved that the mosque is safe for now. It is a place of worship for many, and we hope the court takes a fair decision”, a resident said.
The high court’s intervention ensures that no unilateral action will be taken, protecting the interests of all parties involved while the legal process unfolds.
The case highlights the sensitivity surrounding property disputes linked to religious institutions in Delhi, especially in a context where administrative actions have led to public concern and legal battles.
The community and legal observers will now await the detailed arguments and the court’s decision in late October, which could set important precedents for similar disputes in the city.
