Historic Mosque Near Modi’s Residence Ordered to Vacate Within Six Days as Water, Power Cut Off

India’s Land and Development Office (L&DO) has ordered the century-old Race Course Mosque, located near the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to vacate the premises within six days.

The notice was issued on Monday (October 19), describing the mosque as an unauthorised structure. Allegations have also emerged that its electricity and water supplies have already been disconnected. Muslim organisations have called on the government to intervene to protect the historic site.

Citing Indian newspaper The Tribune, The Wire reported that the Race Course Mosque is located near the prime minister’s official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi. The mosque is listed among the heritage structures recognised by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). However, the L&DO has questioned its legal status, claiming that the mosque was built on government land.

Those concerned said the mosque’s electricity and water supplies had been disconnected since October 7. The disruption has reportedly affected worshippers’ ability to perform prayers and access the mosque.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has sought the urgent intervention of Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to protect the historic mosque and its adjoining cemetery. A delegation from the organisation submitted a memorandum to the minister, urging him to safeguard the mosque and ensure that no eviction or demolition takes place until the legal dispute is resolved.

Mohammad Hakimuddin Qasmi, a member of the delegation, said the mosque was mentioned in the 1977 Delhi Gazette and the revised list of heritage structures maintained by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The organisation believes that appropriate measures should be taken in view of the mosque’s historical significance and legal status.

Reports have also been sought from the Delhi Waqf Board and the NDMC on the matter. According to members of the Jamiat delegation, Minister Kiren Rijiju listened to their concerns and assured them of assistance.

Meanwhile, the mosque’s imam, Mohammad Harun, has expressed frustration over the role of the Delhi Waqf Board. According to a report by Hindustan Gazette, he alleged in a video message that he had sought the board’s assistance for six months but had received no effective support. He claimed that, apart from writing to the NDMC over the disconnection of electricity and water, the board had taken no further action.

Imam Harun also said that the closure of the access route had made it difficult for worshippers to reach the mosque and obtain drinking water. He said he had urged the Waqf Board to approach the court. He further alleged that he had been denied permission to file a case himself.

According to the imam, a government survey conducted in 2021 did not identify the mosque as an unauthorised structure or an encroachment. However, these claims could not be independently verified.

Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has also called for urgent intervention by the Union minority affairs minister to protect the mosque. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader from Kashmir, has likewise expressed concern over the eviction notice. Their statements have highlighted the mosque’s historical significance and the role of Waqf authorities in protecting it.

The eviction notice is being viewed in the context of a broader clearance drive underway in the Race Course Road area. According to Hindustan Gazette, a court order also concerns efforts to relocate slum residents from the area on grounds of security and beautification. Under the plan, residents are to be moved to the Savda Ghevra resettlement area, approximately 45 kilometres away. The directives also include provisions to ensure access to education, transportation and sanitation facilities for those resettled.

Disputes have now emerged over ownership of the land occupied by the Race Course Mosque, its status in government records and its recognition as a heritage structure. While mosque authorities and Muslim organisations are demanding that no eviction take place before the legal dispute is resolved, the site’s future will depend on the authorities’ next steps.