High Court questions disconnection of electricity and water at heritage mosque

The Delhi High Court has orally questioned the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) over the decision to disconnect the electricity and water supply to a historic mosque located near the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to a report by the Times of India, while hearing a petition challenging this decision, the court has issued a notice to the municipal council and sought a response within two weeks.

Justice Subramaniam Prasad, while taking note of the matter, stated that electricity connections cannot be severed without providing any notice. In this case, the petition was filed by the Imam of the mosque. Previously, a single judge had refused to order the restoration of utility services for the religious structure, after which the matter reached the High Court. It is noteworthy that this mosque is listed as a heritage property on the NDMC website.

According to the background of this dispute, a notice to vacate the mosque was received on October 19, stating that the structure is on government land and is "unauthorised." The Land and Development Office, functioning under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, had directed the mosque authorities to vacate the premises within six days. Subsequently, on October 29, the Central Government informed the court that the Land and Development Office would decide on the representation made by the Delhi Wakf Board, and no coercive action would be taken against the mosque during this period, resulting in the demolition process being suspended for four weeks. However, the government expressed security concerns due to ongoing demolitions in the area and opposed granting entry into the mosque.

The lawyer appearing on behalf of the petitioner told the Times of India that the municipal council disconnected the water and electricity supply to the mosque on October 7, while demolitions were underway in the surrounding slum areas. The lawyer argued that the supply was cut without any notice or following due process. He further added that electricity and water are essential parts of the right to life and cannot be withdrawn without legal protection. The lawyer also emphasised that although this action is said to have been carried out in compliance with the High Court's order to demolish surrounding slum clusters, the mosque itself was not part of that action.

This entire matter has come to light amidst a widespread demolition drive underway in the Race Course Road area, where slum dwellers around the Prime Minister's official residence are also being removed. The court will now hear the matter again on December 14.

Race Course Road is a significant area of Delhi, known for the official residence of the Prime Minister and other important government establishments.