The ongoing debate over the fate of the Sunehri Bagh mosque has taken a legal turn, with the Imam, Abdul Aziz, seeking intervention from the Delhi High Court to contest the proposed demolition of this historic structure. The dispute centers around the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) plans to dismantle the mosque, citing concerns about traffic congestion in the vicinity.
The controversy escalated after the NDMC issued a public notice on December 24, inviting objections and suggestions from the public regarding the proposed demolition. Imam Abdul Aziz swiftly contested this notice, initiating legal proceedings to safeguard the heritage and cultural legacy embodied by the Sunehri Bagh mosque.
A vacation bench led by Justice Manoj Jain has scheduled a hearing for January 8, assuring concerned parties that no immediate action will be taken during the interim period. However, the ultimate decision regarding the demolition rests with the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC), as highlighted by the NDMC’s legal representation.
During the court proceedings, the NDMC’s counsel stated, “Your lordship may simply adjourn this. Nothing is going to happen. The decision has to be taken by the HCC, not by us. We just have to call for suggestions. I can’t even touch a brick without HCC permission.”
Emphasizing the significance of the mosque, Abdul Aziz’s counsel clarified that they are not seeking an interim order at this stage. Instead, the legal argument revolves around the assertion that existing laws do not empower the NDMC to authorize the removal of a heritage structure.
However, the court has raised questions about the Imam’s locus standi in filing the petition instead of the Delhi Waqf Board. Responding to this inquiry, the Imam’s counsel explained that the petition aims to protect the congregation, as Sunehri Bagh mosque remains an active place of worship.
Highlighting the historical importance of the mosque, the petitioner’s plea argued, “The mosque is more than 150 years old and a heritage building that is a symbol of cultural legacy.” Additionally, it challenged the NDMC’s assertion that the mosque contributes to traffic issues, arguing that government offices in the area are more likely to be responsible for such problems.
It is noteworthy that the legal battle over the Sunehri Bagh mosque has been ongoing, with the Delhi Waqf Board filing a separate petition on December 18 in anticipation of its potential demolition. The High Court concluded those proceedings, recording the commitment of all parties involved to adhere to the rule of law.
As the legal landscape unfolds, the fate of this historical structure hangs in the balance, caught between concerns over heritage preservation and perceived traffic challenges.
