Congress member of the Lok Sabha Dr Muhammad Jawed initially flagged the issue
Waquar Hasan | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – A plan to demolish a mosque in the Pritampura area of the national capital was halted on Monday after a Supreme Court lawyer served a last-minute legal notice warning that the move violates the Supreme Court guidelines in this regard.
Anas Tanwir, an advocate on record in the Supreme Court, took to social media to inform about the legal notice served to the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G), the Delhi Development Authority and Delhi police officials. The matter is related to the Noor Elahi Jama Masjid located at Shardha Niketan Chowk in the area northwest of the city.
Tanwir said he received credible information on Sunday about a proposed demolition of Noor Ilahi Mosque in the Pitampura area and that a large posse of police has been posted in the area. Immediately he sent an urgent legal notice to the L-G, Delhi Police commissioner, and other authorities, citing SC directives on demolitions. He also put out information related to the notice through his X handle.
The notice was addressed to L-G VK Saxena, DDA Vice-Chairman Subhasish Panda, DDA officials Manisha Gupta, Kishor Kasir Sagar and DCP Outer District.
“It is reiterated that any demolition in contravention of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s guidelines as stated hereinabove will tantamount to contempt of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and would be considered as bringing down the majesty of the Court in the eyes of the people,” the notice said citing the order wherein the court asked the authorities to strictly comply with the directions issued by the apex court.
The notice cited the court order that if the demolition is found to violate the orders of the court, the officer/officers concerned will be responsible for restitution of the demolished property at his/their personal cost in addition to payment of damages.
“Those responsible for violation of due process will face consequences, including personal liability for restitution and contempt proceedings. My client will not hesitate to exhaust all legal remedies to safeguard the Noor Elahi Jama Masjid and hold the offender accountable. Further, none of the aforestated guidelines have complied by you, the notices the Municipal Corporation or the Delhi Development Authority till date,” stated the notice.
As per the court order, property owners should be given a notice of 15 days before demolishing it. And there should be documentation of the demolition and the official involved in the act should be mentioned.
According to Tanwir, soon after he served the notice to the officials, the plan to demolish the mosque was halted.
“Victory! The planned demolition is stopped, thanks to our efforts and the SC guidelines we secured. As promised, these guidelines work,” he said while thanking Congress member of the Lok Sabha Dr Muhammad Jawed for having flagged the issue.
Dr Jawed, MP from Bihar’s Kishanganj, said “The illegal demolition of Noor Ilahi Mosque in Pitampura was successfully halted through the efforts of @Vakeel_Sb and @_ebad_101. Our commitment to protecting democratic values and all places of worship remains unwavering.”
