HC asks authorities to remove illegal buildings in four weeks

New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today asked authorities to beautify the historic Moghul monument Jama Masjid and its sorroundings according to the plan and remove the illegal structures including the residential buildings inside the premises within four weeks.

A division bench of Justices Vijender Jain and Rekha Sharma asked Imam Abdullah Bukhari not to carry out any illegal constructions inside and outside the mosque.

Fixing May 2, as the next date of hearing, Judges asked the authorities including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Government and Waqf Board to place the details of the redevelopment plan before the court for final approval.

The Waqf Board had been asked to approach the Delhi Government for the funds required for the restoration of the pristine glory of the monument in two years.

The Court also asked the authorities to redevelop the 'majar' of great freedom fighter Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad along with the beautification of the Jama Masjid.

Waqf Board Counsel Najim Wajiri submitted that the Board had been working on the plan to beautify the mosque and its surroundings and the final report in consultation with the National Capital Territory government, MCD and DDA, would be placed before the court.

While hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the bench said, ''The monument must be placed in its right perspective. The bitter truth must be digested by removing the illegal structures.'' The Court suggested that the authorities such as the Delhi Government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Waqf Board and the Imam of the masjid should sit together to bring back the heritage and glory of Jama Masjid which was build by Shahjahan about 350 years ago.

UNI PAT HS RS1950