A late-night demolition operation was carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi at an encroached site near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, close to Turkman Gate, on Wednesday. The action followed directions issued by the Delhi High Court, which had asked the Ministry of Urban Development, the MCD, and the Delhi Waqf Board to respond to a petition related to the site.
The High Court observed that the matter required consideration and granted four weeks to the concerned authorities to submit their replies. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on April 22.
Videos circulated among residents showed heavy machinery being used to remove structures near the century-old mosque, with a strong police presence deployed in the area. Some footage also indicated clashes, with stones allegedly thrown at security personnel and tear gas being used to control the situation. These visuals could not be independently verified.
According to the Delhi Police, at least five personnel were injured during the unrest. Officials stated that minimal force was used and that CCTV and body camera footage would be reviewed to identify those involved in the violence.
The legal dispute centres on a December 22, 2025, order issued by the MCD, which declared that structures beyond 0.195 acres of land were unauthorised and subject to demolition. The land within this area houses the mosque. The civic body stated that no valid documents were submitted to establish ownership or lawful possession by the mosque&rsquo;s managing committee or the Delhi Waqf Board.
This decision followed an earlier High Court order from November 12, 2025, directing the removal of nearly 38,940 square feet of encroachments near Ramlila Ground at Turkman Gate. A joint survey conducted in October 2025 confirmed the presence of encroachments, including areas belonging to public authorities.
The mosque&rsquo;s managing committee has challenged the MCD&rsquo;s order, claiming the land is notified waqf property under the Waqf Act and that disputes should be decided by the Waqf Tribunal. The committee also stated that it pays lease rent to the Delhi Waqf Board and clarified that its primary concern relates to the graveyard located on the land.

Drive follows High Court order as violence erupts during late-night action today

Delhi MCD Demolishes Encroachment at Turkman Gate

Drive follows High Court order as violence erupts during late-night action today

January 7, 2026 | 09:35 IST