Row Over Jama Masjid Diktat Banning Entry of Unaccompanied Women

NEW DELHI: In a move that has sparked a wide controversy, Delhi's Jama Masjid administration has banned the entry of women who are alone or in groups without being accompanied by men into its premises.

The latest diktat also includes a prohibition on shooting videos inside the mosque compound.

However, as the row escalated, the authorities said that the order shall not apply to women who come for offering prayers.

Talking to media persons, the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Mosque said that the ban is only for prevention of 'improper acts'.

He said, "Jama Masjid is a place of worship. People are welcome for that... but girls coming alone and waiting for dates... this is not what this place is for."

Bukhari further added, "Any such place, be it a mosque, temple or gurudwara is a place of worship. There is no restriction on anyone for that purpose. Just today, a group of 20-25 girls visited and they were allowed to enter."

Meanwhile, the order from the mosque authorities has evoked a controversy with many condemning the move.

Delhi Commission for Women Chief Swati Maliwal has slammed the order terming it 'shameful' and 'unconstitutional'.

In a tweet, she said, "The decision to stop the entry of women in Jama Masjid is absolutely wrong. As much as a man has the right to worship, so also a woman. I am issuing notice to the Imam of Jama Masjid. No one has the right to ban the entry of women like this."

Notably, the DCW has asked the mosque for a clarification and asked it to furnish it within four days.

On the other hand, the Public Relations Officer of Jama Masjid Sabiullah Khan has justified the decision stating that, "Women's entry is not banned in the mosque. When women come alone, improper acts are witnessed, videos are shot at the premises. The ban is to stop such practices. No restrictions have been imposed on families and married couples visiting the mosque but making it a meeting point is inapt for religious places."

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