The Central Government has approached the Delhi High Court with a proposal to remove the Qadeemi Mosque from its current location within the Krishi Bhawan compound. This request is part of the broader Central Vista redevelopment project intended to modernize government infrastructure in New Delhi.
Details of the Proposal
According to a status report filed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Land and Development Office (L&DO), the Qadeemi Mosque is situated on government-owned land at Plot Number 120, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road. The report was submitted in accordance with a court order issued on September 17.
The government’s position is that the mosque’s removal is necessary to proceed with the construction of the Common Central Secretariat Buildings 4 and 5. These buildings are part of a significant redevelopment plan that aims to upgrade essential national governance infrastructure at the site currently occupied by Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan.
Legal and Administrative Context
The Centre’s submission references a 1940 agreement between the Government of India and the Secretary of the Managing Committee of Jama Masjid, Delhi. This agreement granted permissive possession of the property for its use as a mosque, under strict conditions prohibiting alterations or new constructions without prior government approval.
The government argues that the presence of a permanent religious structure on central government property contradicts the secular and administrative nature of these premises. The Centre also emphasizes that retaining the mosque would conflict with the Master Plan for the Central Vista redevelopment.
Alternative Arrangements and Rights
As an alternative, the government has pointed to the Shahi Masjid Zabta Ganj near India Gate, which is within two kilometers of the current mosque location. The Centre maintains that this mosque can serve as a nearby prayer facility.
The government asserts that there is no fundamental right under Article 25 of the Constitution to insist on worship at a specific location on government land. The L&DO, as the landowner, cannot be obligated to designate any part of the Krishi Bhawan compound or the Central Secretariat complex for religious purposes.
In its report, the Centre also refutes claims made in a petition against the mosque’s removal, stating that they are inconsistent with official records.
Source: NDTV India
