The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate, close to Ramlila Maidan, in the early hours of January 7, following directions from the Delhi High Court. Heavy police deployment was made to maintain law and order during the operation.
Authorities said the demolition targeted unauthorised structures surrounding a 0.195-acre land parcel housing a mosque and a dargah. During the drive, some locals allegedly resorted to stone pelting, injuring five police personnel. Police used minimal force to restore normalcy, detained at least 10 people, and registered an FIR. The mosque structure itself remained untouched, officials said.
Key Takeaways on the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid Demolition Drive
- MCD carried out demolition near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid on January 7 following Delhi High Court directions
- Around 30 bulldozers were deployed under heavy police security
- Five police personnel, including the SHO, were injured during stone pelting
- At least 10 people were detained; FIR registered
- Mosque structure remained untouched; unauthorised structures demolished
- Action followed HC’s refusal to grant interim stay on the demolition
Demolition Drive Conducted Following High Court Directions
Pursuant to the directions of the Delhi High Court, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi carried out a demolition drive in the encroached area near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate, near Ramlila Maidan, in the early morning hours of January 7, 2025.
According to an official statement from the Delhi Police, the demolition was conducted in compliance with judicial orders and aimed at removing unauthorised constructions beyond a designated land parcel measuring 0.195 acres.
Authorities said the action followed the High Court’s refusal on Tuesday to grant any interim stay on the demolition.
Heavy Police Deployment and Law-and-Order Arrangements
To ensure smooth conduct of the demolition and maintain public order, the Delhi Police put comprehensive law-and-order arrangements in place.
The entire area was divided into nine zones, each supervised by an officer of the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Adequate police force was deployed at all sensitive points, according to the official statement.
Delhi Police said these measures were taken to prevent any untoward incident during the operation.
Coordination Meetings Held Ahead of Action
Before the demolition drive, several coordination meetings were held with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders.
According to Central Range Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma, the objective of these meetings was to maintain peace, build confidence among residents, and prevent disturbances during the action.
Officials said all possible preventive and confidence-building measures were undertaken in advance.
Stone Pelting Incident During Demolition
Despite the preventive measures, officials said a brief disturbance occurred during the demolition drive.
According to police, a few miscreants allegedly indulged in stone pelting during the operation. The situation was brought under control through measured and minimal use of force.
“During the course of the demolition, a few miscreants attempted to create a disturbance by indulging in stone pelting. The situation was promptly brought under control through measured and minimal use of force, ensuring that normalcy was restored without escalation,” Verma said in an official statement.
Police Injuries, Detentions, and FIR
Police said the stone pelting incident resulted in injuries to five police personnel, including the Station House Officer (SHO).
The injured personnel were taken to a hospital and were later discharged after receiving treatment.
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Authorities registered an FIR in connection with the incident and detained at least 10 people. Police said the identification of others allegedly involved in the stone pelting was ongoing.
Details of the Demolition Operation
According to officials, around 30 bulldozers arrived at the site around 1 am on Wednesday under heavy security deployment.
The demolition action targeted unauthorised structures built around a 0.195-acre land tract that houses a mosque and a dargah.
Officials said the demolished structures included a baraat ghar and a dispensary.
The mosque, which its managing committee claimed is more than 100 years old, is a Waqf property and remained untouched during the demolition.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The managing committee of the mosque had approached the Delhi High Court after the MCD made markings on January 1 for the planned demolition and informed the committee that the action would take place on January 7.
In its petition, the committee sought that an MCD order dated December 22 be set aside. The civic body had ruled that any structure beyond the 0.195-acre land parcel constituted encroachment and misuse of public land.
The committee submitted before the High Court that it had no objection to the removal of encroachments but sought protection for the graveyard adjoining the mosque, which it claimed lay beyond the 0.195-acre limit.
MCD’s Stand on Unauthorised Structures
In its December 22 order, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi stated that “by no stretch of imagination, masjid or dargah or graveyard can be used as a marriage venue or clinic.”
Calling it a “blatant misuse of public land,” the MCD ruled that any structure beyond the 0.195-acre land parcel was an encroachment and deserved to be removed.
Similar Demolition Action in Madhya Pradesh
Earlier on Monday, a team of the Municipal Corporation carried out a demolition drive against an illegal construction near Mahakal Chowk in Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh.
According to officials, the structure was a G+3 building constructed without necessary permissions. A notice had been served, but construction continued despite no stay being granted by the court.
Ujjain Municipal Corporation Assistant Commissioner Deepak Sharma told ANI that the entire structure was demolished with the help of the police administration and the municipal corporation.
Law, Order, and Judicial Compliance
Delhi Police reiterated that it remains committed to maintaining law and order while ensuring that all judicial directions are implemented in a lawful, professional, and sensitive manner.
Authorities said route diversions were implemented and police personnel remained present at the site to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety during the operation.
Spiritual Reflection on Social Harmony
Incidents of tension arising during civic or legal actions highlight how quickly social harmony can be disturbed when misunderstandings and divisions take precedence over patience and mutual respect. Spiritual perspectives emphasise that conflict rooted in division is not aligned with the higher moral order and does not bring lasting peace.
In contemporary times, Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji is presenting Tatvagyan and True Knowledge based on sacred scriptures, including the Holy Quran Sharif, Vedas, Gita, Guru Granth Sahib and Bible. His teachings underline that the Supreme Power is One, Kabir Sahib, and that understanding this Truth encourages unity, restraint, and harmony among people beyond religious or social differences.
FAQs on Demolition Drive Near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid
Q1. Why was the demolition carried out near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid?
It followed directions of the Delhi High Court to remove unauthorised structures beyond a 0.195-acre land parcel.
Q2. Was the mosque demolished during the drive?
No, the mosque structure remained untouched during the demolition.
Q3. How many police personnel were injured during the incident?
Five police personnel, including the SHO, were injured due to alleged stone pelting.
Q4. Were any arrests made in connection with the incident?
Police detained at least 10 people and registered an FIR.
Q5. What structures were demolished during the drive?
Unauthorised structures, including a baraat ghar and a dispensary, were demolished.
