High Court asks civic authorities to examine claims against Bawli Masjid; Muslim leaders question selective scrutiny, warn against mob pressure
NEW DELHI — Close on the heels of demolition linked to the Dargah Faiz-e-Ilahi near Turkman Gate in the national capital, another Muslim place of worship here has come under the scanner. The Bawli Masjid, located in Delhi’s Defence Colony area, now faces uncertainty after the Delhi High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to examine allegations of encroachment and take action only if violations are proved.
The court has not ordered demolition. It has asked the civic body to check records, conduct a proper inspection and follow the law. Yet the timing of the move has raised concern among Muslims, who fear that legal processes are being pushed by noise outside the courtroom rather than facts inside it.
The case follows strong reactions from some Hindu organisations after photographs circulated on social media showing film personalities Payal and Mannara visiting Muslim religious sites. Muslim groups say such anger has little to do with land rules and more to do with targeting Islamic symbols.
A local imam associated with the mosque said the matter was being blown out of proportion. “This mosque has existed for decades. We welcome any lawful check, but we oppose trial by television and street pressure,” he told Clarion India. “Faith cannot be judged by rumours.”
Residents opposing the mosque, quoted by television channels, claim the structure was small around 16 years ago and later expanded to about 100 metres in length and nearly 60 metres in width. They allege that the building now reaches close to the railway line and that temporary structures and boundary walls were added over time.
Muslim residents of the area reject these claims. A shopkeeper living nearby said, “I have seen this mosque since my childhood. Repairs and small changes were made with local knowledge. Calling it illegal without documents is unfair.”
Legal experts point out that the high court’s direction is limited. A Delhi-based lawyer said, “The court has only asked the MCD to verify facts. Any action must follow notice, hearing and clear proof. Bulldozers cannot replace law.”
Community leaders have also questioned why mosques are repeatedly highlighted while similar claims around other religious or commercial structures rarely reach prime-time debates. “Equality before law must mean equality in action,” said a representative of a Muslim welfare body. “Selective anger hurts trust.”
The MCD is expected to submit its findings after inspection. Until then, Muslim organisations have urged calm and appealed to authorities to act without bias. “We are citizens of this country,” said another local resident. “Our places of prayer deserve the same respect and legal protection as any other.”
As the city watches closely, many hope that the focus will remain on records, rules and rights — not on headlines, hatred or pressure from any group.
