New Delhi: The administration of Delhi's famed Jama Masjid has put up notices outside the main gates banning the entry of 'girls', whether alone or in groups. As controversy escalated, the mosque's Shahi Imam on Wednesday said the order is not applicable to those coming to offer prayers.
The issue led to an outrage in some quarters as women rights activists termed the mosque's decision regressive and unacceptable. The notices, which have no date, came up a few days ago outside the three main entry gates, sources in the administration said. However, it has come to attention only now.
"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.
While Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal termed it a violation of women's rights and said she was issuing a notice, sources in the National Commission for Women said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and is deciding on the action to be taken. (PTI)
