By Anwarulhaq Baig
NEW DELHI: Even as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is yet to allot an alternate plot of land as per directions of the Delhi High Court, the DDA demolished the 50-year-old Faizyab Masjid in Saraikale Khan locality in East Nizamuddin in wee hours of Saturday. DDA is responsible for land management in the national capital.
The DDA’s action has left the Muslims of the area in a very difficult situation, with no place to perform five times regular and weekly Friday congregation prayers. (Though a Special Leave Petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s order to demolish the religious property, DDA demolished the mosque and madrasa before the LPA was heard in the apex court. This has left the purpose of the LPA meaningless).
The mosque’s caretaker, Deen Mohammad, had sought relief from the Delhi High Court against the demolition. While ordering the DDA to allot an alternate plot of land equal in size to the mosque and madrasa, the court also allowed the demolition of the mosque and madrassa.
While the court allowed demolition within a week, it asked the DDA to find an alternate land for the mosque within four weeks month.
The court order is also silent as to who will bear the cost of construction of the mosque and madrasa: DDA or the mosque management committee? The question arises because the mosque and madrasa were not encroachments but on privately owned land.
This story was originally published in indiatomorrow.net. Read the full story here.
