Question : PROTECTION OF PLACES OF WORSHIP

(a) whether there are reports that various places of worship for the Muslims have been targetted or entangled in various problems in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the total number of such cases reported and the action taken against the guilty during each of the last three years and the current year, area-wise; and

(c) the effective measures taken by the Government to stop such cases and protect the constitutional rights of the Muslims?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a)to (c ): No such case has been reported to Delhi Police during the years 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 (upto 30.4.2013).

However, during the construction of Jama Masjid Metro Station at Subhash Park, a wall was unearthed. The local MLA and his supporters claimed it to be ruins of an old mosque namely “Akbarabadi Mosque”. Some kachha construction was done over this wall and prayers were offered. However, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court took suo-moto cognizance of the matter and directed the Police to cordon off the area and not to allow any congregation at the site. The order of the Hon’ble Court was complied with. During demolition drive of unauthorized construction /encroachments on Govt. land by DDA (the land owning agency), on 12.12.12, a part of outer part of wall of Gosiya Masjid falling under Police Station, Mehrauli got partially damaged and the same was got repaired by the local residents. Since one wall of the said Gosiya Masjid was in a dilapidated condition, it got partially damaged during the encroachment removal drive. Presently, namaz is being offered at the said place.

One Noor Masjid at Jangpura - B was categorized as unauthorised construction / encroachment on Government land and was ordered to be removed by Delhi High Court vide order No. 9358/2006 on 31.07.2006. As per the recommendation of the religious committee, Lt. Governor, Delhi approved the removal of the masjid on 12.01.2011 and the said unauthorized construction was demolished peacefully.