MCD demolishes encroachments near Faiz-e-Elahi mosque following Delhi High Court order

A late-night demolition drive was carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) at an encroached site near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, close to Turkman Gate, following a Delhi High Court order seeking responses from authorities in the matter.

The drive took place on Wednesday night, a day after the High Court directed the Ministry of Urban Development, the MCD and the Delhi Waqf Board to file replies within four weeks. The case is scheduled for further hearing on April 22.

Videos circulated among residents showed bulldozers and earth-movers demolishing portions of the century-old mosque, with heavy police deployment at the site. According to the Delhi Police, at least five personnel were injured after stones were allegedly pelted during the operation. “Minimal force was used to control the situation. CCTV, ground and body camera footage will be examined to identify miscreants,” DCP Nidhin Valsan said.

The demolition stems from an MCD order dated December 22, 2025, declaring that structures beyond 0.195 acres of land were unauthorised. The land houses the mosque, while additional areas were termed encroachments.

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The order followed a November 12 High Court directive to clear encroachments near Ramlila Ground at Turkman Gate. The mosque’s managing committee has challenged the MCD action, claiming the land is waqf property and disputes fall under the Waqf Tribunal’s jurisdiction.