New Delhi: The Imam of Sunehri Bagh Mosque moved the Delhi High Court in response to a proposal by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to demolish the mosque. The NDMC argued that the demolition was necessary due to traffic congestion in the area. Abdul Aziz, the petitioner and the Imam, challenged the public notice issued by the NDMC on December 24, seeking objections and suggestions regarding the demolition. The court listed the petition for a hearing on January 8, with an assurance from the NDMC's counsel that no action would be taken until the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) makes a final decision.

NDMC Clarifies Role and Process

The NDMC's counsel emphasized that the final decision rests with the HCC and that the council cannot take any action without their permission. The petitioner's counsel clarified that they were not seeking an interim order at this stage and argued that the law does not grant the NDMC the power to remove a heritage structure. The court questioned the locus of the Imam to file the petition instead of the Delhi Waqf Board, to which the Imam's counsel explained that he filed the petition to protect his congregation as the Sunehri Bagh Mosque is a functioning mosque.

Mosque's Historical Significance Highlighted

In the plea, the petitioner emphasized that the mosque is over 150 years old and is a heritage building symbolizing cultural legacy. The petitioner argued that traffic issues in the area were caused by government buildings, not the mosque. The court had closed proceedings in a separate petition by the Delhi Waqf Board on December 18, anticipating the mosque's demolition, with an understanding that all parties would adhere to the law.

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