Central Vista Project: Delhi HC Seeks Centre’s Response on Waqf Properties Protection

The Delhi High Court has sought the Central Government’s stance on the status of Waqf properties that may be affected by the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.

A bench of Justice Prateek Jalan asked the Centre to submit a status report detailing whether specific properties of the Delhi Waqf Board have been impacted or are likely to be affected by the ongoing project.

In 2021, the board approached the high court seeking preservation and protection for six of its properties in the project area. These properties include Masjid Zabta Ganj at Mansingh Road, Jama Masjid at Red Cross Road, Masjid Sunehri Bagh Road near Udyog Bhawan, Mazar Sunehri Bagh Road behind Moti Lal Nehru Marg, Masjid Krishi Bhawan inside Krishi Bhawan Compound, and Masjid Vice President at the official residence of the Vice President of India.

The Waqf counsel informed the court that the mazar near the Sunehri Bagh mosque was demolished during the proceedings and requested an interim order in their favor. The court noted that it cannot issue an injunction order without hearing the Centre, especially when the matter has been pending for over two years.

The court directed the counsel for the Union of India to submit a status report on the properties mentioned in the writ petition, specifying whether these properties have been or are likely to be affected by the Central Vista Redevelopment. The Central government’s counsel stated that the project is dynamic and the mazar was demolished by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation. Currently, no action is being taken concerning the mentioned properties.

In December 2021, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the high court that there were no developments affecting the Delhi Waqf Board properties, and the redevelopment had not reached the properties in question. The court adjourned the hearing, expressing trust in the solicitor general.

The petition, emphasizing the historical and religious significance of the six properties, claimed that they have been in existence for over 100 years and have continuously been used for religious purposes. The court scheduled the next hearing for February 9, 2024.