New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- The Delhi High Court on Thursday, October 29, said it could not compel the Centre to open the Race Course mosque near the Prime Minister's residence for prayers while demolition work was under way around it, citing a risk to people's safety.

Justice Anish Dayal made the remark after the Centre told the court the mosque would not be pulled down until a decision was taken on a representation by the Delhi Waqf Board seeking its protection.

Central government standing counsel Ashish Dixit said that although the structure would not be demolished, worshippers could not be let in because demolition was going on in the area. A temple on the same premises was also closed to visitors, he said.

The judge called the Centre's ...