The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Government, Archeological Survey of India and Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari on a plea seeking to restrain any construction on land allegedly encroached by the Shahi Imam near the mosque.
Justice Vipin Sanghi, seeking a response from the Shahi Imam yesterday also asked his three brothers to reply by July 12 on the plea along with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the police commissioner of Delhi.
The Court also directed the Police Commissioner, MCD and DDA to take appropriate action to restrain unauthorised construction and encroachment by the Shahi Imam and his brothers on the land near Jama Masjid mosque in old Delhi.
The Court’s directions came on a petition filed by one Suhail Ahmed Khan alleging that in March and April this year Bukhari with his brothers started illegal construction on an encroached government land that is adjacent to historical Jama Masjid.
The petitioner contended that although he made various complaints to higher authorities including the offices of President, Prime Minister and Lt Governor, no action has been taken against the Shahi Imam and his brothers.
The petitioner said the Shahi Imam and his brothers were using the encroached land for commercial use to get personal benefits.
The land is being used for commercial use like parking, temporary pandals (marquee) for marriages and kiosks thereby earning huge revenue out of it.
UNI
