- Centre seeks Qadeemi Masjid removal for Central Vista redevelopment.
- Government argues mosque stands on government land, no ownership.
- Permanent religious structure incompatible with government property’s secular character.
- Government offered alternative prayer site; dispute ongoing in court.
The Centre has told the Delhi High Court that Qadeemi Masjid, located inside the Krishi Bhawan complex in New Delhi, must be removed to make way for the redevelopment of Common Central Secretariat (CCS) Buildings 4 and 5 under the Central Vista project.
In a status report submitted to the court, the Land and Development Office (L&DO), functioning under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, maintained that the mosque stands on government-owned land. It argued that the committee managing the religious structure has no ownership rights and was granted only permissive possession under an agreement signed in 1940.
The government has opposed retaining the mosque within the proposed redevelopment site, citing the nature of government property and the requirements of the approved master plan.
Centre Cites Secular Character Of Government Property
In its submission, the Centre argued that allowing a permanent religious structure within a central government office complex would be inconsistent with the secular character of public property.
“The establishment or retention of a permanent religious structure, or a demand for one, within the confines of a central government office complex is impermissible and incompatible with the secular character of Government property.”
The report further maintained that “the public land situated within a central administrative zone cannot be encumbered by any permanent religious reservation”.
Central Vista Redevelopment A Project Of National Importance
The Centre described the redevelopment of CCS Buildings 4 and 5 as a project of “paramount national importance”. The buildings are being developed at the sites occupied by Krishi Bhawan and the adjoining Shastri Bhawan.
According to the government, retaining the mosque or earmarking any part of the redevelopment area for a religious structure would conflict with the approved Central Vista master plan.
The submission also emphasised that the land forms part of a central administrative zone intended for government infrastructure and offices.
Centre Rejects Article 25 Religious Freedom Argument
The government has also contested the argument that removing Qadeemi Masjid would infringe upon the constitutional right to religious freedom under Article 25.
Its position is that the constitutional protection of religious freedom does not create an enforceable right to offer prayers at a specific location on government-owned land, particularly when the occupants have been permitted to use the premises under an agreement.
The Centre has maintained that the arrangement dating back to 1940 does not confer ownership or a permanent right to retain the structure.
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Shahi Masjid Zabta Ganj Offered As Alternative
As part of its submission, the government identified Shahi Masjid Zabta Ganj near India Gate as an alternative prayer facility.
The Centre said the mosque is situated within a two-kilometre radius of Krishi Bhawan and could be used by those seeking a nearby place to offer prayers.
The status report sets out the government’s position on the mosque’s removal as the Central Vista redevelopment moves forward. The dispute over the religious structure and its continued presence within the government complex is before the Delhi High Court.
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