Conflict Regarding Mehrauli Mosque Demolition: DDA Allegation Differs From ASI Document
Following the demolition, the mosque committee filed an application with the Delhi High Court.
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Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Archaeological Survey of India have made differing statements, which have sparked a dispute over the demolition of a mosque in Mehrauli, Delhi. The many assertions demonstrate that there is uncertainty over the Akhoondji Masji's building date, which was recently dismantled. The mosque was noted in a report by an ASI officer issued in 1922, and it was stated that it was repaired in 1853–1854 AD. Additionally, the mosque's position was noted as lying west of an Idgah. Conversely, the Akhoondji mosque and a madrasa were demolished by the DDA, who claimed that they were unlawful structures. The Sanjay Van, a designated forest area, was where the mosque was situated.
Following the demolition, the mosque committee filed an application with the Delhi High Court. On January 31, the High Court gave the DDA an order to furnish facts on the rationale behind the demolition of the mosque and whether or not prior notice was given. The DDA has been given a week to respond, and the next hearing on the case is scheduled for February 12.
Activists and historians point out that Sanjay Van was only designated as a conserved forest area in 1994, which begs the question of how the old mosque could be deemed an intrusion.
The "Mosque of Akhondji" was recorded by the Assistant Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India in Maulvi Zafar Hasan's 1922 publication, 'List of Muhammadan and Hindu Monuments, Volume III." It had been there when Timur invaded India in 1398 AD and was located "some 100 yards to the west of Idgah". "Date of building unknown, date of repair 1270 AH (1853-4 AD)" is written in the register.
Historian Rana Safvi said on X, "The building was repaired in 1853–1854 even though the exact date is unknown." Emperor Shah Zafar appears to have written the chronogram for repair because, in 1270 A.H./1853–4, he was the only one employing the Zafar takhallus. She also cited the chronogram's translation found on the block of red sandstone.
