New Delhi: The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has issued a public notice for the removal of Sunehri Bagh Masjid in the capital after they received references from Delhi’s traffic police to “ensure sustainable mobility” of vehicles in the area. The NDMC is now seeking public opinion on the proposed removal of the mosque.Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, has expressed reservations about the NDMC’s notification. He underscored the potential harm to the “shared cultural heritage.”Jamiat’s concernsA delegation from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind visited the mosque and met with Imam Maulana Abdul Aziz to gather further information. The Imam emphasised the mosque’s adherence to all government security directives, noting that even congregational prayers are not organised during parliamentary sessions, and the mosque does not contribute to traffic issues.Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, who is a part of the delegation, urged the people of Delhi to voice their opposition against the NDMC notification.“We firmly believe that such an action would constitute a grave loss to our shared heritage. This mosque, with its profound historical significance, stands as a testament to our nation’s pluralistic ethos and the harmonious coexistence of various communities. Its existence is not only crucial for its architectural beauty but also for the spiritual and historical values it represents,” Maulana Madani said in the letter.Historical significanceThe historic Sunehri Bagh Masjid lies in the heart of Lutyens Delhi, near Udyog Bhavan. The looming threat of demolition, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, has stirred a wave of concern among locals and historians. Many believe that the mosque was built 200 years ago, using lakhori bricks.This mosque earned Heritage III status for its historical significance in 2009.“Sunehri Bagh Masjid is not just a mosque, it has a history that is closely associated with several of our freedom fighters. Hasrat Mohani, member of our Constituent Assembly used to stay here while attending the meetings. Care for its illustrious history,” wrote historian S. Irfan Habib on X.Sunehri bagh masjid is not just a mosque, it has a history that is closely associated with several of our freedom fighters. Hasrat Mohani, member of our Constituent Assembly used to stay here while attending the meetings. Care for its illustrious history. https://t.co/iGxRZhd1r8— S lrfan Habib एस इरफान हबीब عرفان حبئب (@irfhabib) December 27, 2023Legal hurdlesConflicting claims about the ownership of the land have emerged. While the Delhi Waqf Board asserts its ownership, the NDMC contends that the land belongs to the government. The Delhi high court recently concluded proceedings on the Waqf Board’s plea, citing “anticipation of action” by the NDMC.In an interim order issued on July 7, the court had directed the maintenance of status quo concerning the mosque, a directive that had been periodically extended. However, on December 18, a single-judge bench led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav decided to close the proceedings based on developments.
