Delhi HC ordered the reopening of the mosque in Nizamuddin Markaz for devotees during Shab-e-Barat
The Nizamuddin Mosque was sanctioned to be re-opened by the Delhi High court on Wednesday, March 16th, 2022. The mosque was originally shut down in 2020 due to a violation of COVID-19 Protocols. The High court authorized the re-opening of 3-4 floors for the occasion of Shab-E-Barat for devotees.
The decision was taken by Justice Manohar Ohri on Wednesday after an application was filed on March 14th, 2022. The application pointed out that unlock-1 guidelines had been released. The guidelines stated the re-opening of religious places. However, the Markaz (Masjid Bangle Wali, Madrasa Kahif -ul-Uloom and attached hostel) were still shut down.
They claimed that the omicron variant is not as severe as the Delta variant from last year. Physical hearings of the court, schools, colleges, bars, etc., were all opening. Thus, there should be no obstruction in the opening of the mosque for offering prayers during Shab-E-Baraat.
The police via advocate Rajat Nair had initially been against any kind of Tablighi activities. The judgement also allowed only 50 devotees per floor. Later, they permitted the re-opening of 3-4 floors with the restriction of only 100 devotees per floor.
Additionally, foreign citizens and OCI cardholders were not permitted. CCTV cameras had also been installed at the entrances. The committee of the mosque agreed upon following strict covid protocol guidelines. The judgement had drawn upon the previous HC order from April 15th, 2021.
It had allowed 50 devotees at Masjid Bangley Wali to offer Namaz five times, only in the first place. The current order decided to open the mosque one day before Shab-E-Barat and close it at 4 P.M. the next day. Amidst the hearing, modified protocols were mutually agreed upon between the Police, Delhi Waqf boards and the management committee of the mosque.
Published by: Shivani Bhalke
Edited by: Subbuthai Padma
