Shimla: The Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Court of Shimla has directed the Sanjauli mosque committee to demolish three illegally constructed floors of the mosque at their own expense.
The order comes after a series of complaints and legal proceedings concerning unauthorised construction on the mosque premises.
The Sanjauli mosque committee had submitted an application to the court on September 12, acknowledging the violation and proposing to demolish the upper three floors. Acting on this undertaking, MC Commissioner Bhupendra Atri issued interim orders, which mandate the committee to begin the demolition process.
Next hearing in case on December 21
A final decision in the case is expected after the next hearing on December 21. The controversy surrounding the mosque has been simmering for years. Originally a two-storeyed structure built before Independence, the mosque allegedly underwent significant expansion without proper permissions starting in 2010.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the growing size of the mosque and the influx of people attending prayers.
In 2010, the Municipal Corporation first issued a notice to halt construction, but the work continued despite over 35 notices being sent between 2010 and 2020. The result was the completion of the five-storey mosque, which many believe was constructed without approval of the building map and in violation of local regulations.
Mosque committee admits to illegal construction
The mosque’s Imam, Shahzad, acknowledged that the mosque’s original structure was indeed a kutcha, two-storeyed building that existed before 1947. He explained that the expansion was driven by the need for more space, as worshippers previously had to pray outside due to lack of room inside the mosque. Donations were collected from the community to fund the construction and the land belongs to the Waqf Board. “The Waqf Board is handling this legal case. Whatever decision the law takes, we will respect and follow it,” said Shahzad.
Plea by locals to be made party rejected
In a related development, the court rejected an application from local residents seeking to become a party in the ongoing case. After a one-and-a-quarter-hour debate, the court concluded that their involvement was unnecessary at this stage. The detailed order in the case is yet to be issued.
The issue has stirred emotions in the Sanjauli area, with some residents pointing out the historical significance of the mosque, while others raise concerns over the rapid and unchecked expansion. The MC court’s decision to move forward with the demolition orders could mark a turning point in the long-running dispute.
