Shimla: A major decision was issued today by the Municipal Commissioner’s Court of Shimla regarding the Sanjauli Masjid, located in the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s capital. The court has ordered the demolition of the mosque’s remaining ground and first floors, declaring the entire structure illegal, reported the Sadaa Times.
The case concerning Sanjauli Masjid has been under legal scrutiny for the past 15 years. Recently, under pressure from growing protests by Hindu organizations, the mosque management had voluntarily dismantled certain sections of the building.
Despite repeated notices, the Shimla Waqf Board failed to present valid ownership documents for the mosque. Commissioner Bhupinder Atri ruled that in absence of legal paperwork, the remaining floors must also be removed. Notably, the second, third, and fourth floors had already been ordered for demolition on October 5, 2024.
During the 45-minute court session, questions were raised as to why new construction was undertaken without obtaining proper permissions, especially if the mosque existed before 1947. The court emphasized that the structure was erected by bypassing required regulations and approvals.
Local residents have expressed disappointment and anger over the ruling. The Sanjauli Mosque Committee is now preparing to challenge the decision in a higher court.
