Sanjauli mosque committee seeks Waqf board’s permission to demolish illegal construction
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Shimla: In a significant development concerning the illegal construction at the mosque located in Sanjauli, a suburb in Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla, the mosque committee has approached the Waqf Board for permission to demolish the unauthorised structure that has been at the centre of a controversy and violence.
The committee, represented by Mohammad Latif, has written to the Waqf Board, emphasising the need for its formal approval before proceeding with the demolition to avoid any future disputes.
Earlier, the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner Court had ruled that the illegal portion of the mosque must be demolished. According to the mosque committee, an NOC for the construction had initially been obtained from the Waqf Board. However, following the court’s decision, the committee deemed it prudent to seek renewed permission from the board before taking any further action.
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The matter gained traction during an October 5 hearing in the Revenue Court of the Municipal Corporation Shimla, where the court decided that the illegal part of the mosque must be demolished within two months. The committee had previously approached the court, agreeing to remove the unauthorised portion if permitted, and offered to bear the cost of the demolition. Following this, the committee awaited a formal copy of the court order to proceed.
In the past, Mohammad Latif had expressed the committee’s intention to comply with the court’s ruling. Notably, AIMIM leader Shoaib Jamai had visited the site and released a video suggesting the issue be taken to the High Court, but the mosque committee distanced itself from his statement, affirming their commitment to follow the Commissioner Court’s order.
Mohammad Latif further clarified that the mosque land is owned by the Waqf Board, making its approval essential before taking any steps. The committee has also initiated efforts to collect funds from local Muslim businessmen to cover the costs of the demolition. Once permission is granted by the Waqf Board, the removal of the illegal floors will commence.
This development highlights the mosque committee’s willingness to comply with legal procedures while ensuring transparency in addressing the issue of illegal construction.
