North corp waiting for police forces to demolish structure

While the Delhi high court has asked the north corporation to remove the ‘unauthorised construction’ at Subhash Park, the agency is yet to come up with a date to conduct the exercise and hand over the land to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

While the Delhi high court has asked the north corporation to remove the ‘unauthorised construction’ at Subhash Park, the agency is yet to come up with a date to conduct the exercise and hand over the land to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

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Mahender Nagpal, leader of the House, North Corporation said they will send the demolition squad as soon as the Delhi Police gives them enough force.

"I will write to the Delhi Police for extra force to implement the court’s orders. There may be some problem as the police are busy making arrangements for the Independence Day,” he said.

Corporation commissioner PK Gupta said, "We are waiting for the court’s orders after which a decision will be taken soon.”

The civic body will carry out the demolition in consultation with the police since religious sensibilities are involved and resistance is expected.

The ASI, assigned with the task of excavating the remains of the Mughal-era structure, is yet to formulate a plan of action.

Without directly mentioning the demolition of the new construction, the court has referred to the ASI’s letter dated July 19 asking the civic body to "remove the said unauthorised construction within 15 days of the receipt of this notice, failing which the same will be removed at your cost”.

Matia Mahal MLA Shoaib Iqbal, who spearheaded the campaign to resurrect what is believed to be the 17th century Akbarabadi mosque, said that he might appeal to the court again.