New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has declined to permit prayers at the Akhoondji mosque in the Mehrauli area of the national capital during the holy month of Ramzan, following its recent demolition by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

Justice Sachin Datta, while hearing a plea filed by the Muntazmia Committee Madarsa Behrul Ulum and Kabarstan, rejected the request for allowing devotees to access the site where the mosque once stood during Ramzan, from the evening of March 11 until Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

Justice Datta referenced a previous order of the High Court denying entry to the mosque on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, stating that there was no justification for a different stance in the current plea. The court had directed the DDA to maintain status quo on the land until further notice.

Highlighting that the site remains under the possession of the DDA, Justice Datta emphasized the court's prior ruling on maintaining status quo, which also applies to the present circumstances. Consequently, the court dismissed the plea for relief, affirming its previous decision.

The Akhoondji mosque and Behrul Uloom madrasa were demolished by the DDA on January 30 after being deemed illegal structures in Sanjay Van. Earlier, on January 31, the High Court had directed the DDA to provide explanations for the mosque's demolition, including whether any prior notice was given to the mosque's management committee.

The DDA justified the demolition, citing the Religious Committee's recommendation made on January 4 as the basis for their actions.

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