File picture of construction underway next to Krishi Bhawan ahead of its planned demolition to make way for new Kartavya Bhawan blocks under the Central Vista redevelopment project, in New Delhi | Photo Credit: PTI The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that a century-old mosque in Krishi Bhawan has to be removed as the establishment of a permanent religious structure within the confines of a government office complex is impermissible and incompatible with the “secular” character of government property.The government said the Central Vista Redevelopment Master Plan provides for the redevelopment and reconstruction of the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) Buildings 4 and 5 at Plot No. 120, covering the footprint of the existing Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan to modernise the infrastructure essential to the governance of the nation.It said the construction of CCS buildings 4 and 5 is a public project of paramount national importance.
The Qadeemi Masjid stands on the project site and is required to be removed therefrom for the execution of the project, it added.“Krishi Bhawan and the Central Secretariat complex are secular public premises, dedicated exclusively to governmental, administrative and public service functions. The establishment or retention of a permanent religious structure, or a demand for one, within the confines of a central government office complex is impermissible and incompatible with the secular character of Government property,” the Land and Development Office (L&DO), which comes under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), said in an affidavit filed in the high court.The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the caretakers of the mosque, seeking to restrain the authorities from demolishing, dismantling, removing, or otherwise disturbing the Qadeemi Masjid situated within the compound of Krishi Bhawan without first undertaking a fair, transparent, and reasoned consideration of its continued retention.The government said the public land situated within a central administrative zone cannot be encumbered by any permanent religious reservation.“It is pertinent to mention that one (01) mosque namely ‘Shahi Masjid Zabta Ganj’, India Gate, New Delhi is located within the radius of two (2) km from the vicinity of Krishi Bhawan and is fully functional to serve as a proximate prayer facility for any individuals seeking one nearby,” it said.The affidavit was filed in pursuance of the order passed by Justice Anish Dayal seeking response of the Centre on the petition by Qadeemi Masjid’s caretaking committee.
The matter is now listed for hearing on November 23.Qadeemi Masjid is a more than 100-year-old mosque situated on the premises of Krishi Bhawan, which is slated to be demolished as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project.The petitioner sought a prayer facility in the newly envisaged structures, since the Qadeemi Masjid has been serving as a place of offering prayers for government employees and others working in the surrounding government offices for several decades. Published - November 04, 2026 10:52 am IST