The court’s directive comes amidst mounting objections from preservationists and religious leaders who fear irreparable damage to the cultural and religious heritage of the area.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In a contentious legal battle concerning the fate of 700-year-old Akhundji Masjid and its adjacent Madrasa Bahrul Uloom in South Delhi’s Mehruali area, the Delhi High Court on Friday sought a comprehensive report from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on the entire matter.
The historic masjid and over a hundred other revered sites have become focal points of contention, sparking a heated debate between preservationists and development authorities.
During a hearing in the high court, a plea was made to appoint a local commissioner for an on-the-spot inspection, aiming to assess the situation firsthand. However, the court dismissed the request, opting instead to demand a comprehensive report from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on the entire matter. The court emphasised the urgency of the situation, requesting submission of the report before the onset of Ramadan, tentatively beginning on March 11.
Advocate Shams Khawaja, representing the concerned parties, voiced the community’s distress over the potential loss of these historic landmarks. As the fasting month of Ramadan nears, Khawaja underscored the significance of these sites for religious observance, particularly during special occasions such as Shab-e-Barat. In response to the court’s decision, he announced plans to file a separate petition to safeguard access to these places of worship.
The court’s directive comes amidst mounting objections from preservationists and religious leaders, who fear irreparable damage to the cultural and religious heritage of the area. They argue that these sites hold immense historical and spiritual significance, serving as beacons of communal harmony and religious diversity.
The DDA, in its defense, cited procedural constraints and previous court orders regarding repair and maintenance work in Mehrauli. However, Advocate Khawaja expressed dissatisfaction with the DDA’s response, urging for a more thorough investigation into the matter. He emphasised the importance of preserving the integrity of these sacred sites and ensuring that no graves are damaged in the process.
As the legal battle rages on, stakeholders remain deeply divided over the fate of Mehrauli’s ancient synagogues and religious shrines. With tensions running high and Ramadan fast approaching, the high court’s decision to demand a detailed report from the DDA marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over heritage preservation and development in India’s capital city.
