The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice on a plea filed by a worshipper seeking protection of the Race Course Masjid against its apprehended demolition, LiveLaw reported. Justice Anish Dayal sought the response of the Central Government, through the Land and Development Office (L&DO), and the Delhi Waqf Board, and listed the matter for hearing on Thursday, October 29.

Counsel for the Centre assured the court that no demolition would be carried out on the mosque until the next date of hearing, LawChakra and Madhyamam reported. Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit sought time to take instructions and said power and water had been cut to avoid security risks from demolition work nearby, and that a temple is also located on the premises, according to LawChakra.

The mosque is located inside the Race Course Club, which occupies around 53 acres near the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, LiveLaw reported. The petitioner, Syed Ahmed Saud, says he has been denied access to the mosque and that obstruction to entry and exit has prevented worshippers from entering.

Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate M. Sufiyan Siddiqui argued — as the petitioner's allegation, which the court has not decided — that there is an imminent threat of demolition, that an officer had asked the mosque's imam to vacate within three to four days although no formal demolition notice had been issued, and that the Waqf Board had not taken enough measures. He said the mosque was notified in the government gazette in 1977 as a Waqf property and enjoys Grade-II heritage recognition under a notification dated October 1, 2009, so heritage permission would be required even for alterations, let alone demolition.

Counsel for the Delhi Waqf Board told the court that a representation had been filed with the L&DO and other authorities on October 19 and had not yet been decided, and that Saud had also filed two representations with the L&DO and the Waqf Board. The court has not decided the petition, and the matter will be heard again on October 29. Sources: LiveLaw, LawChakra, Madhyamam.