Today, Delhi High Court rejected a petition from the Managing Committee of Delhi Waqf Board, which had sought approval for local residents to observe Shab e-barat on the grounds where the historic 600-year-old Akhoondji/Akhunji mosque, graveyard, and madrassa were formerly located

Reportedly, on January 30, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished the mosque and Behrul Uloom madrasa in Mehrauli, asserting that the mosque was built during the Delhi Sultanate era.

The Managing Committee requested permission for local residents to enter the premises from 30 minutes before sunset on Sunday, February 25, until 30 minutes after sunrise on Monday, February 26.

However, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav dismissed the plea, stating that the court was currently dealing with the primary writ petition scheduled for March 7.

The Court opted not to issue any directives at this juncture, taking into account the current situation.

Significantly, earlier this month, the court had instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to uphold the existing state of affairs concerning the land where the esteemed 600-year-old Akhoondji/Akhunji mosque once stood.

Justice Sachin Datta clarified that the status quo order pertains exclusively to this particular property and does not inhibit the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) from taking action against other unauthorized properties.

The petitioner's counsel, Advocate Sham Khwaja, contended that the demolition of the mosque occurred without prior notice, highlighting its historical significance spanning nearly 600–700 years. He also alleged destruction of the madrasa and graveyard, along with damage to copies of the Quran during the demolition process.

In response, DDA Standing Counsel Sanjay Katyal refuted these claims, assuring that religious books were securely held by officials. The DDA argued that the mosque's demolition was based on recommendations from the Religious Committee, citing it as an encroachment on forest land.