An evacuation notice has been served to a historic mosque located near the official residence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.

The Land and Development Office (L&DO) ordered the clearance of the structure, known as the Race Course Mosque, alleging it to be an "unauthorized structure."

The notice follows the prior disconnection of the mosque's power and water supplies.

According to Indian news outlet The Wire, the L&DO issued the eviction notice on Monday (October 19), classifying the site as an unauthorized construction and giving occupants six days to vacate the premises.

In response, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has sought the intervention of the Modi government to safeguard the mosque and its adjacent graveyard.

Meanwhile, the mosque's imam alleged that the Delhi Waqf Board has failed to take effective action regarding the matter.

Indian daily The Tribune reported that the Race Course Mosque is listed as a heritage property on the website of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

Despite this designation, power and water supplies to the mosque were disconnected on October 7, raising serious concerns regarding the ability to conduct prayers there.

The Land and Development Office claims that the mosque stands on government land. Amid the ongoing dispute, questions have also been raised regarding its official heritage status.

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind appealed to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju to intervene to protect the mosque and the adjoining graveyard.

A delegation led by Maulana Mohammad Hakimuddin Qasmi submitted a memorandum to the minister, pointing out that the mosque and its surrounding plot were included in the NDMC heritage list published in the 1977 Delhi Gazette, as well as in the updated records maintained by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The organization requested reports from both the Delhi Waqf Board and the NDMC, urging authorities to halt any demolition or eviction attempts pending the resolution of legal disputes.

Minister Kiren Rijiju listened to the delegation's concerns and assured them he would make "every possible effort" to resolve the issue, according to The Tribune.

According to a report by The Hindustan Gazette, the mosque's imam, Mohammad Harun, stated in a video message that he had repeatedly approached the Delhi Waqf Board over the past six months without success.

He alleged that aside from sending a letter to the NDMC regarding the utility disconnections, the board took no meaningful measures.

"I appealed repeatedly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Waqf Board, but my concerns were ignored," Harun said.

"Now even our drinking water supply has run out. Because access routes to the mosque have been restricted, bringing in water from outside has become nearly impossible, causing severe hardship for visitors."

He added, "I suggested that the Waqf Board take the matter to court or grant me permission to pursue legal action independently. Regrettably, the board neither moved the court itself nor permitted me to do so."

Harun maintained that the mosque is a legally recognized heritage site, noting that a 2021 survey did not classify it as an unauthorized or illegal encroachment—claims that have not been independently verified. "I appeal to well-wishers and seekers of justice to step forward to protect the mosque. I have done everything within my power, but the Waqf Board, which holds the legal authority to handle such matters, is not standing by us. I feel helpless," he said.

Reports indicate that the action against the mosque aligns with a broader clearance initiative targetting informal settlements along Race Course Road adjacent to the Prime Minister's official residence.

According to The Hindustan Gazette, the Delhi High Court on Monday permitted civic authorities to proceed with the eviction of slum dwellers in the area, while instructing that adequate education, transportation, and sanitation facilities be provided at their designated relocation site in Savda Ghevra, located approximately 45 kilometers away.