The administration of Delhi's famous Jama Masjid has put up posters at the main gates on November 24, prohibiting the entry of 'girls' whether entering alone or in groups.

Women's rights activists called the mosque's decision regressive and inappropriate, which caused uproar in certain quarters.

According to administrative sources, the notice, which bear no date, arrived a few days ago outside the three main entry gates. "Jama Masjid mein ladki ya ladkiyon ka akele daakhla mana hai," says the notice issued by the management of the Mughal-era structure from the 17th century that attracts tens of thousands of tourists from around the world.

On Wednesday, the mosque's Shahi Imam stated that the order does not apply to those coming to pray as the debates heated up.

Swati Maliwal, the head of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), labelled it a violation of women's rights and proclaimed that she was issuing a notice; however, sources within the National Commission for Women claimed that the NCW had taken suo motu cognizance of the situation and was currently determining what measures to take.