Cops seeks more time to demolish structure near Jama Masjid

The police sought more time to demolish the structure, expressing its inability to provide requisite force to the North Delhi MCD for removal of the "illegal" structure on the account of "the massive deployment of police force to maintain peace in the area for Independence Day, Baba Ram Dev's protest and Ramzan."

In an application, the police sought modification of the court's July 30 order, which had asked it to provide force to North Delhi MCD for demolition of the structure within 15 days.

In its plea to the court, the police also sought a direction to Matia Mahal MLA Shoaib Iqbal to remove the "illegal" structure, built by him at the site.

The police said "the Holy month of Ramzan is in progress, Independence Day celebrations are approaching for which the security arrangements are to be made and police force is to be deployed."

"Additionally, Baba Ramdev's team too has booked the Ram Lila Ground from July 25 to August 30 for his 'anshan' (fast) which will start on August 9.

"The applicant (Delhi Police) is bound to manage all the above throughout the month of August. Each of the aforementioned events would need massive deployment of police force for maintaining peace, law and order. As such special efforts would have to be made to ensure peace and tranquillity in the area," the petition said. (More)