Delhi Race Course mosque faces demolition threat

The century-old Race Course mosque in Delhi, a Grade II heritage structure registered with the Delhi Waqf Board, is facing potential demolition. The mosque is located within the 53-acre Race Course Club area near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. The central government informed the Delhi High Court that it is taking possession of the area citing national security reasons.

While the mosque has been without power and water for over a week, no official demolition order has been publicly reported. Amidst the uncertainty, Keshav Raj Shastri, a temple priest who has served in the area for 15 years, has expressed public support for the mosque and its imam, Mohammed Haroon. Shastri stated that “mosques and temples should never be demolished” and noted his long-standing friendship with the imam.

The mosque can accommodate approximately 800 worshippers. The ongoing clearance of the club and surrounding slums follows several rounds of litigation.