Demolition of Delhi mosque near PM Modi’s residence put on hold for four weeks

The demolition of the Race Course Masjid in New Delhi, located near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence, has been put on hold for four weeks after the Centre assured the Delhi High Court that no coercive action would be taken against the mosque during this period.

The Centre gave the assurance while responding to a petition filed by a worshipper challenging restrictions on access to the mosque and seeking protection against its demolition, The Quint and Scroll reported.

The Land and Development Office (L&DO) informed the court that it would not proceed with the mosque’s removal until the Delhi Waqf Board’s representation was considered and decided within four weeks.

Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit told Justice Anish Dayal that the representation would be addressed “as expeditiously as possible, within four weeks”. The court recorded the assurance, with the Centre reiterating that the mosque would not be demolished before a decision was made.

However, worshippers will continue to face restrictions on entering the mosque during this period. The government told the court that access to both the mosque and a nearby temple would remain restricted because of safety concerns arising from demolition work in the surrounding area.

The petitioner argued that the restrictions violated the constitutional right to practise religion under Article 25. The plea also alleged that electricity and water connections to the mosque had been disconnected during a demolition drive targeting nearby settlements.

According to the petition, the mosque itself was not included in the list of alleged encroachments targeted by the drive.

The demolition exercise is part of a broader land reclamation initiative by the Centre in the area surrounding Lok Kalyan Marg, where the Prime Minister’s official residence is located.

The Delhi High Court, however, observed that it could not compel the government to allow prayers at the mosque while demolition activities continued in the vicinity and authorities cited safety concerns.

The court has directed the government to submit a status report on the matter. The case is scheduled to be heard again on 16 December 2026.