A demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque in central Delhi turned tense in the early hours of 7 January 2026, after protests erupted over the removal of alleged encroachments following directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
What the Court Directed
In November 2025, the Delhi High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Public Works Department (PWD) to remove encroachments from a 39,000 sq ft area near the Ramlila Ground, close to Turkman Gate.
The court’s directions covered a road, footpath, parking area, a banquet hall, and a private diagnostic centre.
Mosque Committee’s Objection
The managing committee of Masjid Syed Elahi challenged the proposed action, stating that the land in question is a notified Waqf property, governed by the Waqf Act.
The committee argued that disputes related to Waqf land fall under the jurisdiction of the Waqf Tribunal, and not civic authorities acting under a general encroachment-removal order.
MCD’s Position
The MCD rejected the claim, stating that only 0.195 acres of the land, leased in 1940, belongs to the mosque.
According to the civic body, the demolition drive concerns land outside the leased area, and therefore does not fall under Waqf jurisdiction.
Graveyard Concern Raised
The mosque’s managing committee told the court that it has been paying lease rent to the Waqf Board and does not oppose the removal of encroachments in principle.
However, it objected to any action affecting the graveyard located on the land, stating that burial grounds must be protected.
Notices, Protests and Police Deployment
On 22 December 2025, the MCD issued a notice declaring all structures beyond the 0.195-acre leased area illegal and liable for demolition, citing the absence of documents proving lawful possession of the remaining land.
When civic officials visited the site on 4 January 2026 to mark the encroached area, local residents protested, prompting increased police deployment.
Overnight Demolition and Violence
At around 1 am on 7 January, nearly 30 bulldozers reached the site to begin demolition.
According to police, 25–30 people allegedly pelted stones during the operation. Five police personnel, including the station house officer (SHO), were injured and later discharged after treatment.
Arrests Made
Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range), said five people have been arrested in connection with the violence. He added that others involved have been identified and further arrests are likely.
