India Seeks Removal of Qadeemi Masjid for Central Vista

The Government of India informed the Delhi High Court that the century-old Qadeemi Masjid, located within the Krishi Bhawan complex in New Delhi, must be removed to facilitate the Central Vista Redevelopment Master Plan. The government argues the mosque occupies government-owned land required for the construction of Common Central Secretariat Buildings 4 and 5. In filings via the Land and Development Office, the government asserted that maintaining a permanent religious structure within a government office complex is "impermissible and incompatible with the secular character of government property."

To counter claims that the removal violates the fundamental right to freedom of religion, the government noted that the Shahi Masjid Zabta Ganj is available within a two-kilometre radius. It further maintained that the mosque's caretaking committee held only permissive possession under a 1940 agreement and possessed no ownership rights.

The Qadeemi Masjid caretaking committee challenged the move in a petition, noting the property was notified as Waqf property in 1970 and predates the government complex. Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, criticized the government's stance as contradictory, claiming the Central Vista project was inaugurated with a Bhoomi Pooja ritual.

The Delhi High Court has requested clarification on rules regarding prayer spaces in government complexes. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 23.