Shimla court orders demolition of three unauthorised floors of Sanjauli mosque
The court directed that mosque committee and the Waqf Board bear cost of demolition, which must be completed within two months
PTC Web Desk: In a significant development concerning the ongoing Sanjauli mosque dispute, the Shimla Municipal Commissioner’s Court has ordered the demolition of the top three unauthorised floors of the Sanjauli mosque. The court, hearing arguments from both parties, directed that the mosque committee and the Waqf Board bear the cost of the demolition, which must be completed within two months. The next hearing is scheduled for December 21, 2024.T
The Sanjauli mosque case has garnered widespread attention across Himachal Pradesh, especially among the Hindu community. During the hearing, the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner presented a report prepared by a junior engineer, detailing the measurements and construction of the mosque in question.
The local residents' lawyer argued for the complete demolition of the mosque, raising concerns over how a five-storey building was constructed despite the first notice being issued by the MC in 2011. The lawyer pointed out that the mosque committee failed to provide any records requested by the MC, despite repeated demands. Additionally, it was emphasised that the land remains under the ownership of the Himachal Government since 1997, while the mosque was allegedly constructed by "Aale Islam" without legal authority.
Claims were made regarding unauthorised activities taking place in the mosque, despite the authorities not cutting off essential services like water and electricity.
The local lawyer, representing residents, further demanded the mosque's demolition, even if the residents were not made a party in the case. The court, however, refused to include local residents as a third party, stating that the Waqf Board was already a party, and the case pertained to illegal construction, making third-party involvement unnecessary.
The Waqf Board’s lawyer argued that the MC court would decide on the illegal construction and questioned the need for additional parties in the ongoing case between the Waqf Board and the MC.
The court had earlier reserved its decision on the matter after the hearing at 4 pm, later passing the order to demolish the three illegal floors. The mosque committee, which had itself requested the court to consider the demolition, has now been directed to act upon the order. Further decisions regarding the rest of the building will be made in the upcoming hearings.