The Delhi High Court has sought the Centre's response to a petition that asks for protection of the Race Course mosque, located within the Jaipur Polo Ground complex, from demolition. The petition also seeks restoration of access to the place of worship. Justice Anish Dayal issued notice on the petition filed by Syed Ahmed Saud and asked the Centre's counsel to return with instructions on Thursday.
What the Petition Asks for in the Race Course Mosque Case
The petitioner, Syed Ahmed Saud, has approached the High Court seeking two things: protection of the Race Course mosque from demolition, and restoration of access to the place of worship. The court has not ruled on the matter yet. It has only issued notice and asked the Centre to come back with its position.
Centre's Stand on the Mosque and the Complex
The Centre's standing counsel, Ashish Dixit, told the court that the compound houses both a mosque and a temple. He said no demolition action was being taken against the mosque at present.
Dixit also said electricity and water supplies to the mosque had earlier been discontinued to avoid risks to the public during the demolition of other structures on the premises. He further stated that the mosque was located on the same land parcel as other structures on the site.
Why This Matter Matters for Places of Worship
To put it plainly, the key question here is not whether the mosque is being demolished right now — the Centre says it is not. The question is whether a place of worship inside a complex where other structures are being demolished can be left without basic services like electricity and water, and whether access to it should be restored.
The court's decision to seek the Centre's response shows it wants a clear answer on record before proceeding. The matter is expected to move forward when the Centre's counsel returns with instructions.
Our Take: A Test of How Public Authorities Treat Religious Sites
In our view, this case is a simple but important test. The Centre says the mosque is safe from demolition. If that is true, then cutting off its electricity and water — even temporarily for public safety — raises a fair question about how access to a functioning place of worship is protected.
Readers should watch what the Centre tells the court next. The real issue is not just demolition. It is whether the people who use this mosque can actually reach it and use it. The High Court has done the right thing by asking for a clear response rather than letting the matter drift.
Sources & References
- Original news report on the Delhi High Court proceedings regarding the Race Course mosque petition
