‘Bankra Masjid Land Belongs to Centre’: AAI Tells Calcutta High Court

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has told the Calcutta High Court that the land on which the 136-year-old Bankra Masjid stands inside the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport compound in Kolkata was officially acquired by the Central Government several decades ago.

The submission was made during a hearing on a petition filed by the Bankra Masjid Committee. The committee has approached the court seeking interim relief to allow devotees to enter the mosque and offer prayers, particularly Friday prayers.

AAI's Submission Before Calcutta High Court

During the hearing, the AAI informed the court that the land housing the historic mosque had been acquired by the Central Government decades ago. Based on this submission, the airport authority maintained that the mosque committee does not have a legal claim over the property.

The issue of ownership of the land has come up as the mosque remains located within the premises of the Kolkata airport, formally known as the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

The Bankra Masjid Committee, meanwhile, has sought relief from the court to enable devotees to access the shrine for prayers.

Access Suspended Since July

Public access and entry to the mosque have been suspended since July following security concerns raised by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

The restrictions have affected devotees seeking to visit the mosque, including those wishing to offer Friday prayers. The mosque committee has therefore sought interim relief from the Calcutta High Court in its petition.

The security concerns are linked to the fact that the mosque is situated within the airport compound, making access and movement around the religious site subject to airport security considerations.

136-Year-Old Mosque Inside Airport Compound

The Bankra Masjid is around 136 years old and is located inside the compound of Kolkata's international airport.

Its location within the airport premises has brought questions surrounding access, security and ownership before the court. The current proceedings involve the mosque committee's request for permission to allow devotees to enter the premises and offer prayers.

The AAI's submission regarding the ownership of the land adds another important aspect to the dispute. According to the airport authority, the Central Government acquired the property decades ago, and therefore the mosque committee does not have a legal claim over the land.

The matter is currently before the Calcutta High Court, where the court is considering the petition seeking interim relief for access to the mosque. Further developments will determine how the issue of prayer access and the administration of the site is addressed.