Shimla: Demolition work has begun on the unauthorised upper floors of the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla following directions from the High Court. The Sanjauli Mosque Committee and the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board initiated the process in compliance with judicial orders.
The High Court directed removal of the top three floors after the Shimla Municipal Commissioner’s court declared them illegal. The court allowed the lower two floors to remain and ordered demolition of the remaining structure above them.
Earlier, the mosque committee removed two floors as instructed by the Municipal Commissioner. Work stopped later after a challenge reached the district court. The district court upheld the demolition order. The Waqf Board then approached the High Court. The High Court reviewed the matter and ordered demolition of the unauthorised upper portion while maintaining status quo on the lower levels.
The Waqf Board stated demolition would proceed without further delay. Officials cited financial constraints as the reason behind the earlier pause in work. With funds arranged, demolition activity resumed under supervision.
The matter remains under judicial review, with the next hearing scheduled for March 9. Authorities continue to monitor compliance with court directions.
The issue has drawn local attention over land use and construction rules. A local group named Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti earlier demanded immediate action and offered voluntary support for demolition work.
Officials stressed adherence to court rulings and municipal laws. The demolition process continues as per legal instructions.
