The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to allow worshippers access to the Race Course mosque in Lutyens’ Delhi, citing safety concerns arising from demolition work around the structure, while the Centre assured the court that no coercive action would be taken against it for the time being.
Justice Anish Dayal was hearing a petition seeking protection for the mosque, located within the Jaipur Polo Ground precincts on land taken over by the Centre for “public purpose”. The court questioned who would be responsible if anyone was injured while entering the site during the ongoing demolition activity. “If somebody gets injured, who is going to pay compensation?” the judge asked, according to the report cited in the proceedings.
Union government standing counsel Ashish Dixit told the court that the authorities would decide on a representation submitted by the Delhi Waqf Board within four weeks. He also assured the court that no coercive action would be taken against the mosque during that period.
The petitioner had sought permission for worshippers to enter and leave the premises to offer prayers. Dixit opposed the request, saying that access was not safe while demolition work continued around the mosque. The court declined to compel the authorities to permit entry, with the petitioner’s lawyer being told that the request could not be forced at this stage.
Dixit also told the court that worshippers were not currently being allowed access to a temple on the site. Earlier, the Centre’s counsel had submitted that electricity and water supplies to the mosque had been discontinued to reduce risks to the public during the demolition of other structures within the premises.
The petition was filed by Syed Ahmed Saud, who has sought protection for the mosque, restoration of access and safeguards against demolition. The plea states that the mosque has been a notified Waqf property since 1977 and claims that it is a Grade II protected structure. The petitioner has argued that any change affecting the structure’s existence would require approval from the Heritage and Conservation Committee.
The petition also alleges that access to the mosque was restricted without a notice or formal order, raising claims under Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution. It records that the petitioner and others were denied entry by security personnel at recently installed iron gates at the entrance to the Race Course Compound while attempting to offer namaz on October 21, 2026.
The Centre took over the Jaipur Polo Ground in June and the adjoining Delhi Race Club in August, according to the report. The court is scheduled to hear the matter next on December 16, while the Centre’s assurance and its proposed four-week decision on the Waqf Board’s representation remain the immediate procedural steps.
