Properties Belonging To Waqf Board In Mehrauli Archaeological Park Will Not Be Demolished: DDA Informs High Court

The Delhi High Court was assured by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) that the archival graves, parts of the mosque, or tombs in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park (Park) belonging to the Petitioner would not be demolished.

The Court disposed of a Writ Petition filed against the demolishing order of the DDA passed pursuant to a public interest litigation aimed at protecting and preserving the Park and was based on a demarcation report prepared by the DDA.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and comprising Justice Sanjeev Narula noted, “On 23rd December, 2022, learned counsel for DDA had made a statement that they will not be demolishing the aforesaid structures and will only proceed on the basis of the demarcation report for the area around the Park. Counsel for DDA reiterates the above-noted undertaking and assures that the mosques, archival graves, and other legitimate properties owned by the Waqf Board will not be affected by the demolition… Taking the afore-noted statement of DDA’s counsel on record and binding them to the same, the present petition is disposed of along with pending application”.

Advocate Zeba Khair appeared for the Petitioners, Advocate Raghvendra Upadhyay appeared for Respondent no 2, and Standing Counsel Shobhana Takiar appeared for the State.

A Writ Petition was filed concerning a demolishing order issued by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to remove structures encroaching upon the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. The order was made following a public interest litigation aimed at protecting and preserving the Park and was based on a demarcation report prepared by the DDA.

The Petitioners argued that while removing unauthorized encroachments, the DDA was also clearing the waqf properties, which are under their control and have religious significance.

The DDA argued that they would not demolish the archival graves, parts of the mosque, or tombs belonging to the Petitioner. They would proceed based on the demarcation report for the area around the Park.

Accordingly, the Court disposed of the Petition.

Cause Title: Delhi Waqf Board v Delhi Development Authority & Anr

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