[Nizamuddin Markaz mosque] Approach local police for full reopening: Delhi High Court tells Waqf Board

The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the Delhi Waqf Board to move an application before the local Station House Officer (SHO) for full reopening of the Nizamuddin Markaz mosque [Delhi Waqf Board Through its Chairman v Government of NCT of Delhi and Anr]..The mosque was closed for public in March 2020 when a group of Tablighi Jamaat members were found to be living there, allegedly in violation of COVID-19 norms..Following a Delhi High Court order, the authorities had last year allowed 50 people to offer namaz inside the mosque premises five times a day. This arrangement continues till today.The present petitioners had sought full reopening of the mosque in view of the upcoming festivals of shab-e-barat and Ramzan, as well as the fact that the Delhi Disaster Management Association (DDMA) has removed all COVID-19 restrictions for places of worship..The matter was by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, who also recorded the Central government's submission that if an application to this effect is moved by the petitioners, it will be considered favourably by the Delhi Police. The High Court also agreed to the petitioners' request that the matter be heard on Wednesday if the Delhi Police or other authorities do not agree to the opening of the mosque. .This, after Advocate Rajat Nair, appearing for the Central government, said that he would not oppose opening of the entire mosque for the specific days of festivals."Please record my submission that all the floors belonging to the mosque will be opened for the day of shab-e-barat and the entire month of Ramzan. But I have objections to the prayer that the mosque should be opened for all days," he submitted. .Senior Advocate Rebecca John, appearing for the management committee of the mosque, submitted that a discriminatory stand was being taken against the Nizamuddin Markaz mosque, especially in view of the latest DDMA guidelines that have removed all restrictions on religious premises. "Let there not be any discriminatory restriction on Markaz masjid. What is the provision of law that they are invoking? We are saying the Court can put any Covid restriction on us and they will be followed," she said. Senior Advocate Sanjoy Ghose, appearing for the Waqf Board, said that the restrictions would be followed."They say it is a case property, therefore it is shut. By that logic, entire Rohini Court can be shut because a shooting happened there," he added. .The matter is likely to be taken up on Wednesday. .Central govt opposes Delhi Waqf Board plea to fully open mosque at Nizamuddin Markaz.Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.