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Mosque demolition: RWA files contempt plea against CM, Shahi Imam
A residents association moved the Delhi High Court today seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari for allegedly instigating people to trespass and offer prayers on government land retaken by DDA after razing an illegal mosque.
A residents association moved the Delhi High Court on Saturday seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari for allegedly instigating people to trespass and offer prayers on government land retaken by DDA after razing an illegal mosque.
Filing an application through counsel R K Saini, the Jangpura Residents Welfare Association(JRWA) also sought initiation of suo-motu contempt proceedings against Shoib Iqbal, MLA of Matia Mahal constituency, Asif Mohd Khan, MLA of Okhla Area, besides the CM and Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid.
"Suo moto initiate criminal contempt proceedings against......for deliberately and willfully violating the orders of the court" the association alleged. "By their actions and words, scandalising and lowering the authority of the court, interfering with the due course of judicial process, interfering and obstructing the administration of justice and bringing in disrepute the honour, majesty and authority of the law and the courts," they added.
According to the JRWA, the structure was built "illegally" on DDA land, which was earmarked for construction of a community centre. Acting on High Court order, the mosque was demolished by the housing body on Wednesday leading to tension in the locality.
Seeking dropping of contempt proceedings against it before the high court, DDA had on Friday filed a compliance report saying the illegal mosque has been demolished and it has repossessed its land. The court took the report on record and deferred the hearing of the matter to March 1.
However, Friday prayers were offered on the site and is has now been occupied, continuously, by about 100 persons at the instance of the CM, Shahi Imam and other local politicians, which amounts to interference in administration of justice, the JRWA alleged.
The contempt application is likely to be heard on Monday.
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