Action Taken in Three-Department Land Dispute: Full Story of the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque Case in Delhi

A long-standing land dispute involving three government departments—the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Land & Development Office (L&DO), and the Public Works Department (PWD)—has led to major action near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque adjacent to Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi. A joint survey has revealed large-scale encroachment on government land, prompting demolition and further investigation into the ownership of the land on which the mosque stands.

According to officials, the survey found that 36,428 square feet of MCD land and 2,512 square feet of PWD land had been encroached upon. The mosque and an adjoining graveyard together occupy around 7,343 square feet. The encroached areas included structures such as a banquet hall, parking facilities, a private diagnostic centre and other commercial establishments.

Joint Survey and Demolition Drive

To resolve overlapping claims, a joint survey was conducted by MCD, DDA, L&DO, PWD and the Revenue Department. The findings confirmed illegal occupation on land belonging to Ramlila Maidan, which had earlier been transferred by L&DO to MCD. PWD also established that parts of the Aruna Asaf Ali Road, including sections of the footpath and carriageway, were under illegal occupation.

Following the survey, MCD carried out an anti-encroachment drive and demolished structures adjoining the mosque on Thursday. The action was led by City–Sadar Paharganj Zone Deputy Commissioner Vivek Aggarwal.

Ownership Under Scrutiny

MCD has now initiated a detailed probe into the ownership of the land on which the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque is situated. Officials sought ownership documents from the mosque management committee and the Delhi Waqf Board. However, no conclusive documents could be produced before MCD and L&DO authorities.

During hearings, the General Secretary of the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque Management Committee stated that the committee pays lease rent to the Delhi Waqf Board but does not possess ownership documents. Waqf Board officials, in turn, cited a DDA gazette notification indicating that the land belongs to the Waqf Board, but they too failed to submit documentary proof of ownership.

Hearings and Historical Claims

Officials said affected parties were given adequate opportunity to present their claims before any action was taken. The first hearing was held on November 24 last year, followed by a second hearing on December 16. During these proceedings, the mosque management committee claimed that the mosque and dargah are over 100 years old and constitute Waqf property, arguing that ownership documents are not mandatory in such cases.

The Waqf Board referred to an April 1970 gazette notification mentioning “Khwaja Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque alias Masjid Gosain and graveyard,” though the notification does not specify the exact area. Officials also cited a February 15, 1940 agreement between the Governor General-in-Council and the Secretary of the Jama Masjid Managing Committee, under which 0.195 acres of land were leased for limited purposes such as tin sheds, rooms (hujras) and a graveyard.

MCD officials questioned how the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque Management Committee was using the land if it was originally leased to the Jama Masjid Managing Committee. In response, Waqf Board representatives said that before the formation of the Delhi Waqf Board, the Jama Masjid Managing Committee functioned as the Waqf authority.

Next Steps

Authorities have maintained that the action was taken strictly as per procedure and based on survey findings. Further examination of historical records and ownership claims is underway to determine the legal status of the land and any future course of action.

The case has highlighted the complexities of land ownership in old parts of Delhi and the challenges faced by civic agencies in reclaiming public land amid overlapping claims and missing documentation.