New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has carried out an encroachment removal operation at Ramleela Ground, near Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, strictly in compliance with directions issued by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court.
MCD is the lawful licensee of Ramleela Ground under the Land & Development Office (L&DO), Government of India. Acting on a formal complaint, a joint survey was conducted by MCD in coordination with officials of L&DO and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The survey established that approximately 36,428 square feet of public land had been encroached upon through unauthorised commercial constructions, including a banquet hall, private diagnostic centre, and illegal occupation of road and footpath areas.
Subsequently, a Writ Petition (Civil No. 17153/2025) was filed before the Delhi High Court seeking removal of these encroachments. On November 12, 2025, the High Court directed MCD to remove the illegal structures within three months, after granting due opportunity of hearing to all affected parties.
In accordance with the court’s directions, MCD conducted personal hearings on November 24 and December 16, 2025, attended by representatives of the Managing Committee of Masjid Syed Faiz-e-Elahi, Delhi Waqf Board, DDA, L&DO, and officials from the Revenue Department of GNCTD.
After examining documentary evidence and submissions, MCD issued a detailed order on December 22, 2025, concluding that the original Lease Deed executed in 1940 covered only 0.195 acre of land, comprising a tin shed, platform, hujra, and graveyard. No documentary proof was produced by either the Delhi Waqf Board or the managing committee to establish ownership or legal rights over land beyond this leased area.
Based on this finding, the encroachment removal drive was carried out on January 7, 2026, strictly excluding the 0.195 acre land covered under the valid lease. Only unauthorised commercial constructions on public land were removed.
MCD officials maintain that the action was entirely lawful, court-mandated, and evidence-based, aimed at restoring public land and stopping illegal commercial exploitation—without disturbing the mosque or any legally protected religious structure.
