DDA and police asked to investigate claims of illegal activities
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has ordered an inquiry into serious allegations involving a 10,000 square feet land parcel allotted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to the Muslim community in the Jasola area for offering Eid prayers.
This week, the court directed the Delhi Police and DDA to investigate claims that the land is being misused for illegal business activities, including drug trade.
The bench comprising Justices Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Tushar Rao Gadela issued the directive while hearing a petition that raised concerns about alleged unauthorised activities being carried out on the said land.
The land was originally sanctioned specifically for the performance of Eid prayers. However, suspicions were raised that the site is now being used throughout the year for commercial gains and possible illegal purposes, going against the original terms of allocation.
During the hearing, the DDA counsel submitted a copy of the letter confirming that the land was meant only for religious use during Eid. In response, Justice Upadhyay posed a critical question: “Does Eid namaz go on for a month?” Expressing concern, he remarked, “What kind of Eid is this that it requires land use for such a long period? It raises questions that need to be examined seriously.”
The court further stated, “If there is a violation of the conditions under which the land was allotted, then suitable legal action must be taken without delay.” The bench also noted that it is the responsibility of civic authorities and the police to ensure that public land, especially land given for religious purposes, is not misused under any circumstances.
Members of the local Muslim community, however, have expressed shock at the accusations, claiming they were an attempt to defame them and stir unnecessary controversy. “We have always used the land for religious purposes. If someone has misused it, we welcome a fair investigation, but don’t target the whole community,” said Imran Qureshi, a local social worker.
Another resident, 65-year-old Saleem Ahmed, who has lived in Jasola for over four decades, said: “This land has been used peacefully for Eid prayers for years. Suddenly, allegations are being levelled without proof. We respect the law and hope the truth comes out.”
Some community leaders believe that the matter is being politicised. “It is disheartening to see religious spaces being dragged into baseless allegations. Instead of targeting the Muslim community, there should be a neutral and fair investigation. This land was a peaceful place of gathering, and now it is being labelled unfairly,” said Zubair Khan, a local advocate.
Despite the court’s remarks, no conclusive evidence has been presented in public so far. The Delhi Police and DDA have been asked to submit a detailed report after conducting their joint inquiry. The court stressed that the investigation should be carried out fairly and expeditiously, ensuring that no innocent party is wrongfully accused.
Legal experts suggest that such matters should be handled sensitively. Advocate Shabnam Ali, who specialises in land and minority rights, said: “The land in question was given for a religious purpose. If there is misuse, it should be dealt with firmly, but communal profiling must be avoided. Allegations should not lead to collective blame on a community that has legal rights over a space.”
Meanwhile, some activists argue that the focus should be on improving regulation and accountability of public land usage, irrespective of which community it is allotted to.
As the situation unfolds, both the community and authorities await the outcome of the investigation. While the court has maintained a firm stand on ensuring law and order, there is a growing demand for fairness and protection against communal targeting.
The matter is likely to come up again in the coming weeks as both the DDA and Delhi Police are expected to submit their findings before the bench. Until then, the fate of the land and the credibility of the allegations remain uncertain.
