Want FIR lodged for opposing Friday prayers withdrawn
Sunil Chadha
SHIMLA:
The long-running dispute over the Sanjauli mosque in Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla has entered a more volatile phase. Days after police booked six individuals, including two women, for allegedly obstructing Friday prayers, those named in the FIR have set up tents outside the Sanjauli police station and launched an indefinite hunger strike.
Their protest coincides with a major legal setback for the mosque as the district court has upheld the Shimla Municipal Corporation’s (MC) May 3 order declaring all five storeys of the building illegal and directing its complete demolition.
Hunger strike enters third day; protesters demand withdrawal of FIR
Even as the court’s ruling reignited debates over unauthorised structures in Shimla, the unrest on the ground continues to intensify. Wednesday (November 19, 2025) marked the third day of the indefinite hunger strike outside the Sanjauli police station.
One of the accused, Kalpana Sharma, shared a social media post describing the protest as a “new dawn” in their movement. Several members of Hindu organisations have joined the sit-in, warning of a massive statewide protest if the FIR is not withdrawn by Friday.
Leaders of the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti claim that despite court rulings declaring the structure illegal, the mosque still has access to electricity and water, and prayers continue. They accuse the local SHO of filing the FIR suo motu, without any formal complaint.
Protesters say their fast will continue until the FIR is cancelled. They have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to authorities, threatening a large-scale agitation if their demands remain unmet.
FIR triggered after opposition to Friday prayers
The recent turmoil began last Friday when police registered a case against six persons for allegedly stopping congregational prayers at the mosque.
Some local women had objected to what they described as illegal construction at the site and opposed the offering of namaz, citing safety concerns. Their protest was followed by a police FIR against two women and four members of Hindu groups, prompting the current hunger strike.
With the demolition order now reaffirmed by the district court and protests gaining momentum, Sanjauli remains on edge as administrative authorities prepare their next steps.
District court dismissed Himachal Waqf Board’s appeal
In a judgment delivered on Thursday (October 30, 2025), the district court dismissed the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board’s appeal against the MC’s demolition notice. The court found that the mosque, located in the congested Sanjauli locality, had been constructed without mandatory permissions and violated municipal construction rules.
Earlier, the MC Commissioner had ruled that even the lower two floors were unauthorised, an assessment now fully endorsed by the court, which has paved the way for demolition of all five levels.
The verdict followed months of hearings beginning in May. The court had initially stayed demolition and sought complete records from both the Waqf Board and the MC. After a series of hearings through July and August — during which the Waqf Board repeatedly sought additional time — Additional District Judge Yajuvender Singh reserved the order on October 6. The final round of arguments, lasting over two hours, concluded on September 6.
