Shaban Bukhari anointed as Naib Imam of Jama Masjid

Shaban Bukhari, the son of Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari, was formally anointed as the Naib Imam at a 'Dastarbandi' ceremony held here on Saturday.

The Delhi High Court had earlier on Friday said the ceremony to anoint Shahi Imam's son as the Naib Imam of Jama Masjid 'would not amount to an appointment'.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw made the observation after taking into account the contentions of the Centre, Delhi Wakf Board and petitioners, who have challenged the ceremony, adding that in such a situation there is no need to stay the function.

The High Court also issued notice and sought responses of the Archaeological Survey of India, Delhi government, DDA, MCD, city police, Wakf Board, CBI as well as Bukhari by the next date of hearing on January 28, 2015.

The order came on three PILs challenging the Shahi Imam's decision to appoint his son as the Naib Imam.