Tensions rise over notice to Race Course mosque and graveyard
Race Course mosque faces threat after Shalimar Bagh mosque.
The issue of preserving the historic Race Course Mosque in Delhi and the adjacent cemetery has been raised before Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. A delegation from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind met with him on October 19, 2026, to demand the restoration of permission to offer prayers in the mosque, the resumption of electricity and water supply, and immediate intervention to protect the mosque and cemetery from potential demolition. According to information released by the organization, the delegation submitted a detailed memorandum to the minister.
The delegation, led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind General Secretary Maulana Muhammad Hakimuddin Qasmi, made this visit on behalf of the organization's president, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani. The memorandum cited the religious, historical, and legal status of the mosque and cemetery, demanding immediate action from the relevant authorities. The delegation included Maulana Muhammad Qasim Noori, president of the Delhi state Jamiat, Vice President Maulana Qari Arif Qasmi, other office bearers of the organization, and the mosque's Imam, Maulana Haroon Rahi.
This issue has emerged at a time when a dispute has arisen between the central government's Land and Development Office (L&DO) and Muslim organizations regarding the Race Course Mosque. According to media reports, the L&DO has issued a notice declaring the mosque's land as unauthorized occupation of government land, demanding the premises be vacated. The notice allegedly requires the area to be vacated within six days. Imam Maulana Muhammad Haroon has alleged that the authorities have cut off the electricity and water supply to the mosque and imposed restrictions on the movement of worshippers.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has highlighted the historical significance of the mosque in its memorandum, citing government documents. According to the organization, the mosque is listed as number 22 in the heritage list of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Additionally, it claims that it is mentioned as number 18 in the Delhi Gazette of 1977. The organization also stated that the revised list available on the website of the Ministry of Minority Affairs includes details of the mosque and its property. Based on these documents, Jamiat has demanded a thorough investigation of the legal status of the property before any action is taken.
The memorandum also calls for a detailed report from relevant government agencies, including the Delhi Waqf Board and NDMC. Jamiat argues that the available revenue records, heritage documents, and other official records concerning the mosque and cemetery should be examined. The organization has warned that demolition or other harsh actions without clarifying the legal status could cause irreparable damage. It has emphasized the need to restore access for worshippers to the mosque and to immediately resume electricity and water supply.
According to the mosque's Imam, this religious site has long been a primary place for the local Muslim community to offer prayers. Media reports indicate that the mosque has a capacity of approximately 800 worshippers. Other Muslim organizations and political leaders have also expressed concern regarding this matter. However, the stance of the relevant government departments regarding the ownership of the mosque's land and its legal status, as well as an independent examination of the available documents, are decisive aspects of this dispute.
After listening to the demands and concerns of the delegation, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that he would make every possible effort in this matter. However, the information released by Jamiat did not confirm any concrete government order or restoration of electricity and water supply. The organization clarified that it would resort to all available legal measures to protect the mosque and cemetery.
Previously, there was a case regarding the demolition of a mosque for road widening in Shalimar Bagh. The upper portions of the Madina Mosque located in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, were demolished by the municipal corporation on the night of September 23, 2026, as part of a road widening campaign. This action on Max Hospital Road also involved the demolition of some nearby houses. The administration cited encroachment removal, while the mosque management raised questions regarding the notice and legal process. The Imam alleged that he was not given sufficient time to remove the Quran and other belongings.