Race Course Masjid faces potential demolition in Delhi

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Central Government and the Delhi Waqf Board following a plea to protect the century-old Race Course Masjid from imminent demolition. The mosque is located near the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi.

During the hearing, counsel for the Centre stated that no demolition activities would occur until the next hearing scheduled for October 29. The government noted that water and electricity supplies were disconnected to mitigate security risks associated with nearby demolition work. The petitioner, Syed Ahmed Saud, alleges that worshippers have been denied access to the mosque and that the Delhi Waqf Board has failed in its statutory duty to protect the property.

The dispute occurs amid broader concerns regarding the demolition of Muslim religious structures and land ownership disputes in India, particularly following the enactment of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. While authorities maintain that actions against unauthorized encroachments are conducted under applicable laws for public safety or road widening, critics argue these measures disproportionately affect minority religious institutions.