Date:07/11/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/11/07/stories/2002110705690100.htm

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HC notice on `misuse' of Jama Masjid

By Nirnimesh Kumar

NEW DELHI NOV. 6. A resident of the Walled City here has challenged in the Delhi High Court what he alleges misuse of the historic Jama Masjid and its surroundings for terrorist and anti-social activities and for illegal pecuniary benefits by its Shahi Imam, Sayed Ahmed Bukhari.

The petitioner, Raisuddin, through a public interest litigation (PIL) petition, alleged that Sayed Ahmed Bukhari and his predecessor and father, Sayed Abdullah Bukhari, had been misusing the mosque and its surrounding areas for making illegal money and other activities, including terrorist and anti-social ones.

Taking cognisance of the petition, a Division Bench, comprising Justice Anil Dev Singh and Justice R.S. Sodhi, sought replies from Sayed Ahmed Bukhari, the Union Government and the Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi. The ASI, the Municipal Corporation, the Delhi Police Commissioner, the Delhi Waqf Board and the Union Urban Development Ministry have also been asked to respond.