The Central Government has told the Delhi High Court that it plans to “remove” a century-old mosque on the premises of Krishi Bhawan. It said that retaining the structure within the office complex is “impermissible and incompatible with the secular character of Government property”.

The submission marks the first clear acknowledgement by the Government that the mosque is set to be removed from the site as Krishi Bhawan and adjoining Shastri Bhawan are slated to be demolished to make way for new buildings under the Central Vista redevelopment plan.

Earlier, in December 2021, in a plea by Delhi Waqf Board before the Delhi High Court seeking protection of six mosques likely to be affected by the project, including the Qadeemi Masjid situated in the open court in Krishi Bhawan, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had told the court: “Nothing is happening to these properties. We are before your lordships.…