New Delhi WAQF Board (Left), Jama Masjid (Right)
New Delhi: The New Delhi Jama Masjid, a historic landmark and one of India’s largest mosques, is set to undergo inspection by the Land and Development Office of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on August 28, following a Delhi High Court directive. The inspection has raised concerns and speculation about the future of this revered religious site. This development has sparked reactions and debates, with chairman and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan strongly opposing any takeover.
A notice affixed to the mosque’s wall has instructed the “occupant” to ensure their “readiness” and to furnish “documents/maps to substantiate their claims” during the upcoming inspection. The inspection’s outcome could have far-reaching implications and add to the ongoing discussions about the status of religious properties in India.
The mosque’s imam, Muhibullah Nadwi, has expressed confidence in the mosque’s ownership claims, stating that adequate documents are available to support its case. Nonetheless, some activists fear that the inspection might be a precursor to potential demolition or relocation.
This inspection transpires amidst a wider backdrop of controversy surrounding the demolition of religious structures across the country. Over the past months, authorities have razed several mosques and temples, often citing encroachment as the reason.
The demolition of religious sites has triggered an outcry from minority communities, who accuse the Government of discriminatory practices. Authorities, in turn, argue that these actions align with legal regulations. The scrutiny faced by the New Delhi Jama Masjid has further intensified the ongoing debate regarding religious structure demolitions. The outcome of the inspection remains uncertain, yet the repercussions of this sensitive issue are bound to be far-reaching.
In parallel to the inspection of the New Delhi’s Jama Masjid, the Government also plans to assess 122 other properties under the purview of the Delhi Waqf Board. This portfolio encompasses mosques, dargahs (shrines), and graveyards. Officials assert that the evaluation aims to verify that these sites are being utilised for their intended purposes.
However, the Delhi Waqf Board has voiced its opposition, asserting that the inspection infringes upon its rights. The board contends that the inspection signifies a covert attempt to wrest control over these properties. This contentious matter is anticipated to be presented before the Delhi High Court in the approaching days. The recent announcement regarding the Union Government’s decision to relieve the Delhi Waqf Board (DWB) from the responsibilities related to 123 Waqf properties has ignited a fierce response from the board’s chairman and AAP MLA, Amanatullah Khan. Asserting his stance, Khan vehemently opposes any attempts by the Union Government to assume control over Waqf properties.
In reaction to this development, Khan took to Twitter and shared documents to substantiate his claims. “Our Writ Petition No. 1961/2022, addressing concerns about 123 Waqf properties, is currently pending in the High Court. Some individuals are disseminating falsehoods regarding this matter, and the evidence is laid bare for all to see,” he wrote in a Hindi tweet.
The Deputy Land and Development Officer conveyed the decision to absolve the DWB from its role in the 123 Waqf properties through a letter on February 8. Khan contends that the L&DO has posted notices at these properties, creating “widespread anxiety, fear, and resentment” among the Muslim community.
In his response to the Deputy Land and Development Officer of the Union Ministry, the DWB chairman indicated that the board had already submitted a petition to the High Court in January 2022 opposing the formation of a two-member committee. This committee’s report served as the basis for the Ministry’s actions.
Khan revealed that the committee had been informed of the Waqf Board’s petition on April 12 of the previous year, urging it to defer proceedings until the court issued a final ruling on the matter. This particular issue remains unresolved in the High Court.
Furthermore, Khan noted that prior to the formation of the two-member committee, a one-member panel had been constituted, but its report was rejected without explanation. Adding to the complexity, the Government of India permanently allotted one of the 123 properties to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), prompting the Waqf Board to approach the High Court.
While the two-member committee has already submitted its report, Khan emphasised that the DWB has not yet received a comprehensive copy of the report. In light of this, he urgently requested that the complete report be shared with the Delhi Waqf Board.
This latest controversy underscores the ongoing struggle over control of Waqf properties and has spurred a firm stance of opposition from Amanatullah Khan, who remains resolute in his efforts to protect the interests of the DWB. The situation is expected to escalate further, bringing attention to the intricate legal and administrative intricacies surrounding the issue.
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