Mehrauli Demolition: Delhi High Court Orders DDA To Maintain Status Quo On Property

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to maintain status quo on the land on which the 600-year-old mosque in Mehrauli was demolished recently. According to Live Law, the status quo shall be maintained until February 12.

The order was passed by Justice Sachin Datta while dealing with a plea filed by the Managing Committee of the Delhi Waqf Board. Notably, the Delhi High Court also clarified that the status quo is only with respect to this particular property. The Court clarified that this order will not act as a bar on the DDA to carry out its action on adjoining areas.

Advocate Sham Khwaja appeared for the petitioner and said that the mosque had stood on the ground for nearly 600–700 years. Sham Khwaja also told the Court that the mosque was demolished without giving any demolition notice. The counsel also alleged that copies of the Quran were damaged in the process. At the same time, the DDA”s counsel refuted the allegations and told the Court that religious books are in the safe custody of the officials. DDA”s counsel also said that the books would be handed over.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) carried out the demolition of the mosque and a madrasa on January 30, describing them as “illegal structures.” On January 31, the Delhi High Court sought an explanation from the DDA on this action. According to the Indian Express report, locals claim the mosque was built during Razia Sultana’s reign, making the structure nearly 600–700 years old.