India Government Tells Delhi High Court Century-Old Qadeemi Masjid Must Be Removed Under Central Vista Project NEW DELHI, India — November 4, 2026 The Indian central government has informed the Delhi High Court that the historic Qadeemi Masjid, located within the Krishi Bhawan complex in New Delhi, must be removed to facilitate the Central Vista redevelopment project. The government's position has raised fresh concerns among members of the Muslim community over the future of a mosque that has served worshippers for more than a century. Government Cites Secular Character of Public Property In its submission to the Delhi High Court, the Centre argued that Krishi Bhawan and the Central Secretariat complex are government premises designated exclusively for administrative and public service activities. The government maintained that retaining a permanent religious structure within the complex would be incompatible with the secular character of government property. It also argued that the mosque stands on government-owned land and that the managing committee's historical arrangement did not establish ownership rights over the property. Mosque Committee Seeks Protection of Prayer Facilities The caretaking committee of Qadeemi Masjid approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection for the historic mosque. The committee has argued that it is not attempting to obstruct the Central Vista redevelopment project. Instead, it wants to retain the existing prayer facility or provide an appropriate alternative arrangement. The mosque reportedly predates the construction of the surrounding government buildings and has historically served Muslim employees working in the area. The Delhi Waqf Board notified the property as a Waqf property in 1970. Delhi High Court Seeks Clarification During the November 2 hearing, Justice Anish Dayal questioned the government's position and sought clarification on whether specific rules prohibit providing prayer facilities for a particular religious community within government premises. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 23, 2026. The legal dispute remains ongoing, and the court has not issued a final ruling ordering the mosque's demolition. A Wider Debate Over Religious Rights and Heritage The case has brought renewed attention to questions about religious freedom, historic places of worship, and the treatment of religious structures on government-controlled land. The outcome could affect the future of the historic mosque and the availability of prayer facilities for Muslim employees in central New Delhi. Islam Global News will continue monitoring the court proceedings and any official developments concerning Qadeemi Masjid. Islam Global News | India Desk