The Delhi High Court concluded proceedings on Monday in a petition filed by the Delhi Waqf Board concerning the potential demolition of a 150-year-old mosque at the Sunehri Bagh Road roundabout. The city’s civic body argued that the petitioner had no grounds to anticipate such demolition. The counsel for the Delhi Waqf Board raised concerns about potential arbitrary and illegal action by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and sought the court’s protection.
In response, the NDMC’s counsel strongly opposed the submission, stating that there was no basis for the petitioner to fear that the respondent would act outside the legal framework. The counsel emphasized that any actions taken by the authorities would adhere to existing regulations. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav disposed of the petition, recording the statement of Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, who represented the NDMC.
The court stated, “Since the parties are largely agreed on the aforesaid issue, therefore, at this stage, this court is not required to adjudicate the prayer anymore. Accordingly, the parties are directed to be bound by the undertaking recorded here. The petition is disposed of.” Senior advocate Sanjoy Ghose, representing the Delhi Waqf Board, assured that any actions by the authorities would comply with the law.
Previously, the high court had issued an interim order directing authorities to maintain the status quo, and the plea sought to restrain the NDMC from causing harm to the mosque. The NDMC informed the court that a joint inspection had revealed the necessity to remove the mosque to use the land for safe traffic flow. The court was informed that the land was required for redesigning the roundabout to facilitate safe traffic movement.