Will consider plea to open Markaz: Centre

The high court, on March 11, asked the Centre to clarify its stand as to what objection it has to fully reopening the Nizamuddin Markaz, which has remained sealed since March 2020, over alleged violations of Covid-19 norms during a Tablighi Jamaat event.

The Centre on Monday told the Delhi high court that it would consider the request to reopen the mosque portion (Masjid Banglewali) of the Nizamuddin Markaz for offering prayers during the upcoming festival of Shab-e-Baraat and the holy month of Ramzan.

On November 16, the high court directed five members of the city police and the same number of representatives from the Delhi Waqf Board to conduct a joint inspection at the Markaz building. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Archive)

The high court, on March 11, asked the Centre to clarify its stand as to what objection it has to fully reopening the Nizamuddin Markaz, which has remained sealed since March 2020, over alleged violations of Covid-19 norms during a Tablighi Jamaat event.

Justice Manoj Ohri directed the petitioners to file an application before the station house officer of the police station concerned, seeking permission to open the three floors (apart from the first floor mosque) of the Markaz, so that Muslims can offer prayers during Shab-e-Barat and Ramzan.

The court noted the statement of the counsel of the Delhi Waqf Board, the petitioner in the case, that they will file the application urging the authorities to open the entire masjid premises ahead of Shab-e-Baraat and Ramzan.