Jass Kaur Bindra
The High Court of Delhi asked that the mosque of Nizamuddin Markaz, should be opened for prayers as the month of Ramzan is approaching.
The Centre clarified to the High Court of Delhi that the mosque could not be opened according to the guidelines of Delhi Disaster Management authority.
On 13th April, 2021 the Centre clarified the honorable Bench that since 10th of April the Delhi Disaster Management Authority guidelines are into play and as per them no public gathering or congregation is permitted in Delhi.
The Central government’s statement was recorded, which clearly stated, “Till the next date of hearing the five persons who have been holding prayers at mosque since last year will be permitted to do so.”
The case is being heard by Justice Mukta Gupta.
The Delhi High Court on Monday rejected the submission made by the centre which stated, “Only 20 persons will be allowed to enter the mosque during Ramzan out of the police verified list of 200 people.”
The bench asked the concerned authorities, what arrangements will be made in regard to the holding of prayers during the month as per the response which was filed by Delhi Waqf Board.
Advocate Wajeeh Shafiq is heading the side of Delhi Waqf Board.
Shafiq in his petition stated, “There should be easing of restrictions at the Markaz, including the entire mosque area where the entry was banned in aftermath of tablighi jamaat members testing positive for covid-19 an year ago.”
Along with Shafiq, the Delhi Waqf Board is represented highly experienced senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, who stated that, “I can submit the photographs of Karol Bagh Hanuman Mandir to show along queue and absence of social distancing, he also referred to the gathering taking place at Haridwar and ask whether the rules of Central Government are not applicable there and whether they are only for Muslims.”
Mr Gupta even added that, “Is it permissible. Are they also saying they will not allow in any masjid in Delhi? They have not yet filed a status report. They have put a lock and are not allowing us to use it (mosque). And what is the case? That there were certain people and they went out and the coronavirus was spread. Was it the cause?”