The Delhi High Court has taken a stern view of the disconnection of electricity and water supplies to a mosque situated within the Race Course Club complex in the national capital. During the proceedings, the court firmly observed that utility connections to any property cannot be severed without serving a proper prior notice. In connection with this matter, the High Court has issued notices to the New Delhi Municipal Council, commonly known as NDMC, along with the Delhi Waqf Board, directing both bodies to submit their formal responses within a span of two weeks. The next hearing for this case has been scheduled for December 14.
Court Questions Disconnection Without Notice
The crucial remarks came from Justice Subramanyam Prasad while hearing a petition filed to seek the restoration of electricity and water services to the mosque. The plea was brought by the imam of the mosque, challenging an earlier order passed by a single judge bench that had dismissed the request to restore the utility supplies. During the court session, the bench specifically questioned the NDMC regarding how electricity could be disconnected arbitrarily without issuing any notice beforehand.
Mosque Located Near the Prime Minister's Residence
The mosque in question stands inside the Race Course Club complex in Delhi. This entire area is situated in close proximity to the Prime Minister's official residence and spans across a vast expanse of nearly 53 acres. The petition filed before the court expresses a strong apprehension that the mosque might be demolished during eviction drives aimed at clearing the land. According to the statements in the petition, the mosque is an officially notified property belonging to the Waqf Board. Furthermore, it was formally designated as a Grade-2 heritage building back in the year 2009.
Previous Government Assurance and Next Steps
The legal battle encompasses issues ranging from the severance of utility connections to potential land clearance actions surrounding the mosque. Prior to these developments, on October 29, the central government had given an assurance to the High Court that a decision regarding the representation made by the Delhi Waqf Board would be taken within four weeks. The government had also assured the bench that no coercive steps would be taken against the mosque until that process was completed. The court will examine the responses from the authorities when the matter is taken up again on December 14.
