Tensions built up as DDA sat on demolition advice

Tension over the demolished mosque in Jangpura dates back to 2006, when the Residents’ Welfare Association of the area filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Delhi High Court against the encroachment and illegal construction.

Tension over the demolished mosque in Jangpura dates back to 2006, when the Residents’ Welfare Association of the area filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Delhi High Court against the encroachment and illegal construction.

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The petition was against a JJ (jhuggi-jhopdi) Colony, some other illegal structures and the mosque, which, according to citizens was constructed 11 years ago. The High Court, in July 2008, had ordered the demolition of the JJ colony and asked the Delhi government’s Religions Committee to take a decision on the demolition of the mosque.

“The Religions Committee, in June 2009, agreed that the mosque was built on encroached land and recommended its demolition. The mosque was built on DDA land allotted for the construction of a community centre for residents,” said RK Saini, counsel for the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) that filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

According to Saini, a petition was also filed against a Balmiki temple in the area but the Religions Committee recommended that the temple be re-allotted the land.

Though the committee recommended demolition of the mosque in 2009, DDA tried to take action only in 2010 and failed to demolish the illegal construction. “Plans to demolish the structure were made four times last year but it couldn’t happen as adequate police force was not present,” said Neemo Dhar, spokesperson, DDA.