Authorities issue notices to 2 prominent mosques in Indian capital

NEW DELHI, India – Two prominent mosques in the Indian capital, New Delhi, have been ordered to remove their structures within 15 days.

According to a report by local news channel India Today, the notices were issued by the Indian Railways.

The authority claimed that the land of Masjid Bachchu Shah and Masjid Takia Babbar Shah belongs to it.

The notice said that their land had been illegally taken.

The railway department has warned that it will take necessary action if the structures are not removed within the stipulated time frame.

Officials from the Delhi Waqf Board, which is responsible for maintaining Islamic property disputed the railway claim.

It said the mosques were built long ago when there were no railroads.

Mehfooz Mohammad, a Waqf Board official, said the two mosques are more than 400 years old.

The mosques are also among 123 properties that include mosques, mausoleums and cemeteries over which the Waqf Board is engaged in a legal battle with the central government.

The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court.

“The two mosques were over 400 years old and existed before rail infra came up at the two locations. The mosques are also part of the 123 properties, including mosques, mausoleums and graveyards, over which the board is engaged in a court battle with the Centre. The matter is currently pending in the high court,” Mohammad told The Hindustan Times.

Hafiz Matlub Karim, a member of the managing committee of Bachchu Shah mosque has written a letter to the Delhi government over the matter.

“The notice which was pasted was without any signature and stamp…this activity is harassment and an attempt to vitiate the atmosphere,” the daily quoted him as saying.