The Land and Development Office (L&DO) has assured the Delhi High Court that the Race Course Masjid will not be demolished until the Waqf Board’s representation seeking protection for the structure has been decided. The assurance came during proceedings on a petition seeking permission for worshippers to offer namaz at the mosque situated within the Race Course premises in New Delhi. The court, however, observed that it could not compel the Central Government to permit devotees to offer prayers at the site.

High Court Seeks Status Report From Authorities
During the hearing, the government’s counsel opposed the petition and informed the court that demolition work was underway in the surrounding area. The counsel also stated that access to a temple within the same compound was not being permitted. The High Court took note of the submissions and directed the authorities to file a status report detailing the situation.

Petition Seeks Protection and Restoration of Access
The matter concerns a petition filed by Syed Ahmed Saud, who has sought protection for the mosque and restoration of access for worshippers. During an earlier hearing on Tuesday, Justice Anish Dayal issued notice and asked the Centre’s counsel to obtain instructions on the matter before returning to court on Thursday. The Centre’s standing counsel, Ashish Dixit, had submitted that the compound contained both a mosque and a temple and that no demolition action was taking place at that time.

Dispute Over Waqf Status and Right to Worship
The petitioner’s counsel claimed that the mosque had been notified as a Waqf property in 1977 and alleged that the Delhi Waqf Board had not taken adequate steps to preserve access to the site. The petition also alleged that authorities had prevented the petitioner from offering namaz without issuing a formal notice or order. The plea cited Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution, concerning equality before the law and freedom of religion, respectively. These remain allegations raised in the petition.

Centre Cites Security Concerns in Nearby Evictions
The dispute comes after the Centre took over Jaipur Polo Ground in June and the adjoining Delhi Race Club in August. In a separate action in the area, authorities had evicted residents of nearby slum clusters, stating that the settlements were located within a protected zone close to an operational Air Force Station. The government maintained that removing unauthorised structures was necessary to protect defence infrastructure and address broader public and security concerns.

The High Court’s proceedings will determine the next steps regarding the mosque’s protection and the petitioner’s request for access. The L&DO’s assurance means demolition of the mosque will not take place until the Waqf Board’s representation has been decided, as stated before the court.