Delhi mosque faces uncertain future after surrounding homes demolished

Delhi’s Race Course mosque is at the centre of a legal dispute after authorities demolished homes across three nearby settlements on 7 October. Officials cited illegal occupation of government land and security concerns near military installations. Some 717 families were relocated to Savda Ghevra, nearly 31 miles away. The mosque and a Hindu temple survived, but utilities were disconnected and access restricted.

The government claims ownership of the mosque’s land; mosque authorities say it was registered as waqf property in 1977. A worshipper has challenged prayer restrictions and raised fears of demolition. On 29 October, the government promised no action against the mosque for four weeks while considering objections. The court declined to intervene over access and scheduled a hearing for 16 December.

The dispute extends beyond religious access to the disruption of a longstanding working-class community. Residents interviewed by the BBC described losing nearby domestic work, lengthy school journeys and separation from relatives. The government told the court that suitable apartments were unavailable closer to Race Course and cited facilities in Savda Ghevra.