The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in a contempt petition filed by the Mangolpuri Muhammadi Jama Masjid and Madarsa Anwarul-Uloom Welfare Association.

The petition alleges that the civic body failed to comply with a prior court directive related to the removal of encroachments near the mosque.

Justice Renu Bhatnagar issued notice to the MCD and directed it to file a reply. The court also recorded the civic body's assurance that no further coercive action would be taken until the next hearing.

The petition stems from a High Court order dated 18 November 2024, in which the MCD was instructed to identify and delineate encroachments on public land and, if not removed by the Petitioners, to proceed with lawful removal. The Petitioners claim they voluntarily cleared the identified encroachments on 19 November 2024 in the presence of local police officials.

Appearing for the Petitioners, Advocate Renu argued that despite full compliance—including a compliance report with photographic evidence submitted on 23 June 2025—the MCD initiated demolition activities without issuing prior notice or carrying out a fresh demarcation.

A demolition notice was reportedly pasted at the premises on 20 June 2025, warning of imminent action without any prior hearing. Petitioners also allege they were verbally informed on 25 June 2025 that the mosque itself would be demolished.

The Petitioners contend that such actions by the MCD violate principles of natural justice and the earlier judicial order. Taking note of these submissions, the court issued notice to the MCD and scheduled the matter for further hearing on 9 July 2025.