Delhi’s Jama Masjid rolls back order on women entry

The management board of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, one of India’s biggest mosques, said Thursday it will no longer allow entry of single women who “give time to men, do wrong things” and treat the premises like a meeting point or park. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

A sign board that says a single woman or a group of single women cannot enter the premises has also been put up. This is in addition to a signboard that says video shoots are strictly prohibited. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

Jama Masjid PRO Sabiullah Khan told reporters that there is no restriction on the entry of women visiting with families or married couples. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

The notice by the mosque's administration read: "Jama Masjid mein ladki ya ladkiyon ka akele daakhla mana hai (The entry of a girl or girls is not permitted in Jama Masjid)." (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

In 2019, the Jama Masjid administration had banned shooting videos with music inside the mosque. The administration had also constituted a team of 10 people to catch youngsters making videos and stop them. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

The notices, which had no date, came up a few days ago outside the three main entry gates, sources in the mosque administration said. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

A 22-year-old man from Bihar alleged that on Thursday his cousin was "denied entry" into the historic Jama Masjid, all by herself or in a group with him and his friend. The man, who hails from Patna, said it is shocking and saddening that it is happening in "my India". (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

However, female visitors were seen taking selfies within the precinct of the Jama Masjid in old Delhi on Thursday. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) termed the ban as 'anti-women and unconstitutional' and demanded that the mosque's administration withdraw its decision.(Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

As the issue led to an outrage in some quarters, the Shahi Imam had earlier in the day stepped in to say the order was not applicable to those coming to offer prayers. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

According to officials at the L-G office, L-G VK Saxena spoke to Shahi Imam Bukhari and requested him to rescind the order. After which the Imam decided that the board outside the mosque would be removed. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)