Delhi High Court Orders Status Quo On Construction Inside 14th Century Kalan Masjid In Nizamuddin

The Delhi High Court has ordered that status quo be maintained on the construction inside a 14th Century mosque, Kalan Masjid, situated at South Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin.

Justice Mini Pushkarna directed that status quo shall be maintained as regards any construction within the premises of the mosque.

The Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out a joint inspection of the property and to submit a report before April 15, the next date of hearing.

“The officials of Delhi Waqf Board shall also be present at the time of the inspection,” the Court said.

The Court was dealing with a petition filed by two individuals seeking a direction on the authorities to immediately protect the mosque. They contended that unauthorized construction was being carried out within the premises of the mosque.

The counsel appearing for MCD submitted that the concerned officials had inspected the property on the morning of April 04 and that some construction was being carried out inside the mosque.

The counsel appearing for ASI submitted that he was yet to take instructions in the matter.

The counsel representing the Delhi Waqf Board submitted that no unauthorized construction was going on inside the masjid.

“If that be the case, no further construction shall be carried out till the next date of hearing. Accordingly, it is directed that status quo shall be maintained as regards any construction within the premises of the mosque,” the Court said.

It directed the concerned SHO of Hazrat Nizamuddin police station to provide police protection to the officials of the ASI and MCD at the time of joint inspection.

Title: AAS MOHAMMED & ANR v. MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF DELHI & ORS

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 422

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