The Central government has informed the Delhi High Court that the century-old mosque in Krishi Bhawan will be removed because retaining a religious structure in an office complex is “impermissible and incompatible with the secular character" of government property.
In an affidavit filed in the Court, the government said that Krishi Bhawan and the Central Secretariat complex are secular premises dedicated exclusively to governmental, administrative and public service functions.
"The establishment or retention of a permanent religious structure, or a demand for one, within the confines of a central government office complex is impermissible and incompatible with the secular character of Government property. That the public land situated within a central administrative zone cannot be encumbered by any permanent religious reservation," the government said.
It added that there is a mosque located at India Gate in the two kilometre radius.
"[It] is fully functional to serve as a proximate prayer facility for any individuals seeking one nearby," the government said.
The government filed its affidavit in response to a plea filed by the caretaking committee of Qadeemi Masjid. The mosque committee has moved the High Court, apprehending demolition.
Justice Anish Dayal heard the matter on November 2 and asked the government if there are any rules stating that there can be no space for prayer for any community in a government area.
The Court requested the government counsel, Nishant Gautam, to communicate its query to the Additional Solicitor General (ASG).
The matter will be heard next on November 23.
Qadeemi Masjid is a more than 100-year-old mosque situated in the premises of Krishi Bhawan, which is slated to be demolished as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project.
According to reports, the mosque predates the construction of the government complex and has served as a place of worship for Muslim employees working in Krishi Bhawan and neighbouring government offices.
The Delhi Waqf Board notified it as a Waqf property in 1970.
When the matter was heard on September 17, the Qadeemi mosque's caretaking committee told the Court that they are not seeking the stalling of the Central Vista project but only a prayer facility in the newly envisaged structures.
Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid had appeared for the petitioner and stated that they seek a reasonable and proximate arrangement ensuring continuity of the prayer facility, as permitted in terms of Article 25 of the Constitution of India.