The government has petitioned the Delhi High Court to clear the Qadeemi Masjid from the Krishi Bhawan premises to facilitate the Central Vista redevelopment. The Centre argues that a 1940 agreement does not grant ownership, while the mosque committee asserts historical and constitutional rights. The court is reviewing the case, with the next hearing set for November 23, 2026.
The Central government has approached the Delhi High Court seeking the removal of the historic Qadeemi Masjid, located within the Krishi Bhawan complex in New Delhi. This legal action is part of the ongoing Central Vista redevelopment project, which aims to modernize the capital's administrative infrastructure. The government intends to utilize the site to construct the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) Buildings 4 and 5.
Legal Dispute Over Land Ownership
A primary point of contention in the ongoing court proceedings is a 1940 agreement. Government representatives have argued that this document, signed between the administration at the time and the managing committee of the mosque, provided only "permissive possession" for religious activities. The Centre maintains that this agreement did not confer permanent land ownership, title, or lasting interest to the committee. Consequently, the government argues that the presence of a religious structure within an active administrative complex is incompatible with the secular character of state property.
Conversely, legal counsel for the mosque committee has contested the government’s position. They argue that the mosque has existed long before the construction of Krishi Bhawan and surrounding ministerial offices in the 1950s and 1960s. The committee has referenced historical records and a 1970 notification from the Delhi Waqf Board to support its claims of the site's long-standing status. Furthermore, they assert that the preservation of the mosque is protected under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to practice religion.
Infrastructure and Project Timeline
The case highlights the challenges of executing large-scale infrastructure projects in a densely built-up administrative area. The Central Vista project is a major national initiative, and any delay caused by land disputes or legal hurdles can impact the overall project timeline for the new secretariat buildings. The Delhi High Court is currently reviewing the matter, including questions about the regulations governing prayer spaces within government complexes. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 23, 2026.
For those tracking the progress of the Central Vista redevelopment, the resolution of this case will be a key factor. A favourable court outcome for the government would clear the path for the planned construction, while any extended legal stalemate or a decision in favour of the mosque committee could potentially force the authorities to reconsider the layout or timelines for the new office blocks.