Delhi High Court Allows Rani Lakshmi Bai Statue in Shahi Idgah Park
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea against installing a statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai in Shahi Idgah Park, located in the Sadar Bazar area. Justice Dharmesh Sharma ruled that the installation does not interfere with religious practices at the site.
Details of the Case
The Shahi Idgah Managing Committee, led by President Haji Shakir Dost Mohammad, filed the plea. They argued that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) were encroaching on Waqf property by planning to install the statue.
The committee was concerned about the statue’s installation after a JCB machine was seen digging in the park on August 29, 2024. They claimed that the DDA and MCD were working together to place the statue without proper authorization.
Court’s Decision
Justice Sharma stated that the parks surrounding Shahi Idgah are DDA property and maintained by its Horticultural Department. The court found no legal basis for the committee’s objections, noting that the Delhi Waqf Board had not provided accurate information about the property.
The court also mentioned that the Delhi Minority Commission’s status quo order was issued without proper jurisdiction. The High Court emphasized that the DDA has the right to allocate land for public use, including the installation of the statue.
Conclusion
Despite concerns about potential law-and-order issues, the court upheld the decision to relocate the statue to Shahi Idgah Park. The court concluded that the committee’s plea lacked a valid cause of action.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big building where judges work. They make important decisions about laws and rules in Delhi, the capital city of India.
Rani Lakshmi Bai -: Rani Lakshmi Bai was a brave queen from India who fought against the British rulers a long time ago. She is a famous hero in Indian history.
Shahi Idgah Park -: Shahi Idgah Park is a public park in Sadar Bazar, a busy area in Delhi. People go there to relax and play.
Shahi Idgah Managing Committee -: The Shahi Idgah Managing Committee is a group of people who take care of the Shahi Idgah, which is a special place for prayers.
Justice Dharmesh Sharma -: Justice Dharmesh Sharma is a judge in the Delhi High Court. Judges are people who decide what is right and wrong according to the law.
DDA -: DDA stands for Delhi Development Authority. It is a group that takes care of building and maintaining parks, roads, and other places in Delhi.
Horticultural Department -: The Horticultural Department is a part of the DDA. They take care of plants, trees, and gardens in parks and other public places.
plea -: A plea is a request made to a judge or court asking for a decision or help with a problem.
valid cause of action -: A valid cause of action means a good reason to ask the court for help. If there is no good reason, the court will not take action.
