Shimla: The Muslim Welfare Committee has received the Municipal Commissioner (MC) Court’s order directing the demolition of three unauthorised storeys of the Sanjauli mosque. Muhammad Latif, president of the Sanjauli Mosque Committee, confirmed that the order has been communicated to the Waqf Board, the legal owner of the land, for further instructions, as per a report by the Deccan Herald.
The MC Court had issued the demolition order on October 5, granting the Waqf Board and the mosque committee two months to carry out the action. Latif mentioned that the demolition process would commence once the Waqf Board gives permission, noting that the committee had already offered to remove two unauthorised floors of the mosque during a meeting with the MC commissioner on September 12, the DH report added.
The Sanjauli mosque, a five-storey structure, has been the subject of controversy over the legality of its additional floors. While some Muslim groups, including the Muslim Welfare Committee, have agreed to comply with the demolition order to maintain peace and harmony, the All Himachal Muslims Organisation (AHMO) has taken a firm stand against it. AHMO spokesperson Jazaqat Ali Hashmi argued that the mosque, which is over 125 years old, is legally sound, claiming that the necessary approvals for the building’s plans are pending with authorities. AHMO has announced its intention to challenge the MC Court’s decision in higher courts, possibly escalating the matter to the Supreme Court.
Latif, however, emphasized the need for unity and peace within the community, stating, “It was a difficult decision to offer to demolish the mosque, but it was made in the interest of maintaining peace and brotherhood in the state.” He added that consultations were held with the Waqf Board, local community leaders, and shopkeepers, all of whom supported the decision to prioritize harmony.
As the legal battle unfolds, the future of the Sanjauli mosque’s upper storeys remains uncertain, with both sides preparing for the next steps in this contentious issue.
