Centre tells Delhi High Court Qadeemi mosque must be removed for new secretariat buildings
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Judiciary & landmark judgments· Prelims + Mains·
Eminent Domain and infrastructure development: a GS2 case study on administrative law and land acquisition.
Why in news
The Centre informed the Delhi High Court that the Qadeemi mosque must be removed from the Krishi Bhawan compound to facilitate the construction of Common Central Secretariat Buildings 4 and 5.
Background
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs submitted a status report stating the mosque occupies government land. The project is described by the Centre as a public project of paramount national importance aimed at modernizing infrastructure.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyMinistry of Housing and Urban Affairs: Ministry responsible for the status report regarding the secretariat project
- PlaceKrishi Bhawan: Location of the Qadeemi mosque and the proposed construction site in Delhi
- FactCommon Central Secretariat Buildings 4 and 5: Specific infrastructure project requiring the removal of the mosque
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Common Central Secretariat Buildings 4 and 5 project, consider the following statements:
- The Qadeemi mosque is located within the Parliament House compound.
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs submitted a status report regarding the mosque's occupation of government land.
- The project is described by the Centre as a public project of paramount national importance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The mosque is located in the Krishi Bhawan compound.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the legal and administrative challenges involved in reclaiming government land for infrastructure projects involving religious structures.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Legal conflict: Balancing the right to worship with the state's power of eminent domain for public infrastructure
- Administrative hurdle: Procedural complexities in relocating religious sites on government-owned land
- Policy trade-off: Balancing modernization of administrative infrastructure against the preservation of existing community structures
Keywords: Eminent Domain · Public Infrastructure · Administrative Law · Land Acquisition · Secularism
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