Days after the demolition drive in Old Delhi’s Turkman Gate area, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said that all illegal encroachments in and around the Jama Masjid precinct would be removed in accordance with a High Court directive. He stated that the action would follow a court order instructing civic authorities to carry out a detailed survey of unauthorised constructions near the historic mosque within a period of two months.
Sood’s comments came against the backdrop of a court-mandated demolition operation carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque at Turkman Gate, where clashes broke out earlier this week. The violence during the demolition led to the arrest of 11 people, prompting heightened security and political reactions in the area.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the minister said that certain non-governmental organisations had approached the Delhi High Court over long-standing encroachments near Jama Masjid, including illegal shops and parking facilities. He noted that the court had taken cognisance of these complaints and issued clear directions to the concerned agencies.
“The court has ordered the relevant departments to conduct a proper survey and remove encroachments within the next two months. This is a positive development for residents of the area, as it will help in widening roads and easing congestion. This should not be viewed through a political lens because the action is being taken strictly under court orders,” Sood said.
Targeting the previous Aam Aadmi Party-led government, Sood questioned the effectiveness of redevelopment and remodelling projects carried out in Old Delhi, particularly in Chandni Chowk. He said that despite claims of comprehensive redevelopment, serious civic and planning issues continued to plague adjoining heritage zones.
“The earlier government said Chandni Chowk had been remodelled, but the Jama Masjid area also falls within Shahjahanabad. The present situation reflects the failure of the previous administration. We are committed to resolving these legacy problems in a systematic and lawful manner, whether through court directions or administrative action,” the minister said.
He further added that areas such as Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid are considered sensitive and special heritage zones within Old Delhi and that any corrective measures would be implemented gradually and in phases to minimise disruption while ensuring compliance with legal and conservation norms.
The High Court order in question was passed on Wednesday after hearing a petition filed by residents of Old Delhi seeking the removal of encroachments from public parks owned by the MCD and from areas surrounding Jama Masjid. The petition alleged that public land had been unlawfully occupied by parking lots, a hospital, street vendors and multiple commercial establishments.
According to the plea, open spaces around the mosque were also allegedly encroached upon by the Shahi Imam and his relatives, who were accused of constructing private residential structures on the land. The petition further claimed that cold drink shops were operating from the mosque’s minarets and that paid public washrooms had been set up illegally in the vicinity, as reported by Bar and Bench.
Jama Masjid, a 17th-century monument built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is one of the largest mosques in India and is classified as a monument of national importance. As such, it is legally protected against any form of damage, alteration or unauthorised commercial use.
The petition also stated that Jama Masjid is a property of the Delhi Waqf Board and alleged that the Shahi Imam had no legal authority to commercially exploit waqf land, including by operating cafes on the terrace overlooking the mosque.
Reacting to the High Court’s directions, petitioner Abdul Amir said that the order would now compel the civic authorities to act. He warned that if the MCD failed to comply within the stipulated timeframe, contempt proceedings would be initiated and the matter could be escalated to the Supreme Court.
Amir further claimed that despite repeatedly approaching the MCD, the police, the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor over the past year, no concrete action was taken, leaving him with no option but to seek judicial intervention.
