Delhi High Court denies Race Course mosque access during demolition work

The Delhi High Court refused to restore worshipper access to the Race Course mosque during nearby demolition work. The Centre's safety assurance shields the notified Waqf property from coercive action temporarily.Stock photo used for illustrationNewdelhi,Oct 29, 2026 15:40 ISTThe Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to allow worshippers access to the Race Course mosque amid demolition work around the religious structure, news agency Press Trust of India reported.The Centre assured the court that no coercive action would be taken against the mosque for the time being. The structure stands on a Lutyens' Delhi land parcel taken over by the Centre for a public purpose.Justice Anish Dayal noted the ongoing demolition work around the mosque and said, "If somebody gets injured, who is going to pay compensation?"Union government standing counsel Ashish Dixit told the court that the authorities would decide within four weeks on a representation submitted by the Delhi Waqf Board. He said no coercive action would be taken in the meantime, according to PTI. Responding to the petitioner's request to allow entry to and exit from the mosque, Dixit said access would not be safe at this stage because of the demolition activity around it."Let it go. Let them decide. It is a fair submission. We can't force them to give access for prayers," the court told the petitioner's lawyer. Dixit said worshippers were also not being allowed to access a temple at the site at present.Petitioner Syed Ahmed Saud has sought directions from the court to protect the Race Course mosque from demolition and restore access to it. The mosque, located within the Jaipur Polo Ground, has been a notified Waqf property since 1977.The Centre took over the Jaipur Polo Ground in June and the adjoining Delhi Race Club in August.Earlier, the Centre's counsel had said the authorities had disconnected electricity and water supply to the mosque to prevent any risk to the public during the demolition of other structures on the premises.The petitioner's counsel argued that the mosque was a Grade II protected structure and that any change affecting its existence required the approval of the Heritage and Conservation Committee.He said the authorities had prohibited the petitioner from offering namaz at the mosque without issuing any notice or order, in violation of Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution.The plea alleged, "On 21.10.2026, the petitioner, along with his friends, personally visited the subject masjid with the intention of offering namaz. However, upon reaching the recently installed iron gates at the entrance to the Race Course Compound, they were categorically denied entry by the security personnel stationed there."It added, "While the petitioner does not suggest that every restriction upon access constitutes conversion within the meaning of the Act, the State cannot disregard the historical religious character of the subject masjid when contemplating measures capable of permanently affecting its existence or religious identity."The court will next hear the matter on December 16. Until the authorities decide the Waqf Board's representation, the Centre has said no coercive action will be taken against the mosque, while access will remain restricted because of the demolition work.- Ends