Shimla: The Sanjauli Mosque Committee has sought formal approval from the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board for the demolition of three unauthorized floors of the mosque, following a directive issued by the Commissioner’s Court. The mosque, located in Sanjauli, Shimla, is under the supervision of the Waqf Board, making its approval essential for further action, reports the Tribune News.
In a letter to the Waqf Board, the committee emphasized that the mosque property falls under the board’s jurisdiction.
Muhammad Latif, President of the Sanjauli Mosque Committee, stated, “The mosque is owned by the Waqf Board, which is also a party to the ongoing case. Therefore, we require the board’s approval to proceed with the court’s order.”
The Commissioner’s Court, in its ruling on October 5, 2024, directed the mosque committee to demolish the three unauthorized storeys within two months. The court also mandated that the mosque committee bear the costs associated with the demolition. A separate decision regarding the remaining two floors is expected by December 21.
The case, which has been under legal review since 2010, gained public attention after several Hindu organizations demanded the demolition of the mosque following a local altercation between a Hindu individual and members of the minority community in the Malyana area. In September, these groups staged protests across Sanjauli and the state, calling for the demolition of the mosque and other allegedly illegal religious structures, and advocating for the verification of unidentified migrants by state authorities.
The mosque committee awaits further instruction from the Waqf Board before taking any action.
