Jama Masjid Bars entry of Women: Jama Masjid’s Shahi Imam has consented to revoke the edict banning women’s admission inside the mosque after Delhi LG V K Saxena spoke with him and asked him to withdraw the decree. They continued by saying that Imam Bukhari had consented to lift the ban provided that visitors upheld the mosque’s purity.

The management of Delhi’s renowned Jama Masjid had posted signs outside the major entrances prohibiting the entry of “girls,” whether they were entering alone or in groups. The mosque’s Shahi Imam claimed on Thursday that the edict does not apply to people who are come to pray as the debate heated up.

Women’s rights groups called the mosque’s decision regressive and inappropriate, which caused indignation in certain quarters.

According to administrative sources, the warnings, which bear no date, appeared a few days ago outside the three main entry gates. It has only now come to our attention, though.

Jama Masjid Bars entry of Women

“Jama Masjid mein ladki ya ladkiyon ka akele daakhla mana hai (The entry of a girl, or girls is not permitted in Jama Masjid),” reads the notice by the administration of the 17th century Mughal era monument that attracts thousands of devout as well as tourists.

The decision was made, according to Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam, after some “incidents” were reportedly recorded on the grounds of the historic building.

“Jama Masjid is a place of worship and people are welcome for that. But girls coming alone and waiting for their dates… this is not what this place is meant for. The restriction is on that,” Bukhari told media persons.

Swati Maliwal, the head of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), referred to it as a breach of women’s rights and said that she was sending a notice.