In a significant ruling, the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court has ordered the demolition of all five storeys of the mosque located in the Sanjauli area, declaring the structure unauthorized. The order, issued on May 3 by Municipal Commissioner Bhupendra Atri, followed a prolonged legal and public battle over the mosque’s legality.
The dispute dates back over 15 years, during which residents of Sanjauli and several Hindu organizations have repeatedly raised objections to the mosque’s construction, claiming it violated municipal norms. Despite sustained protests, no action had been taken by the authorities until now.
According to Advocate Jagat Pal, who represented the petitioners seeking the mosque’s demolition, the Waqf Board failed to submit documents proving ownership of the land or any sanctioned building plan. The court had earlier directed the Waqf Board to produce the sanctioned plans for the structure, particularly the top three floors, which were deemed “unauthorized.” When the board failed to comply, the Commissioner’s court passed a demolition order for the entire five-storey structure.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier instructed the Municipal Commissioner to resolve the dispute by May 8. The court noted that while the Waqf Board claimed the mosque existed before 1947 and was rebuilt after demolishing an older structure, it failed to seek permission from the Municipal Corporation for the reconstruction — a clear violation of the rules.
The court emphasized that any construction, regardless of religious or historical significance, must adhere to municipal regulations. The court noted that no sanction had been sought for reconstruction and questioned the legality of the construction done in violation of municipal norms.
The order has stirred both legal and social debate in the region, with some residents welcoming the decision as a matter of enforcing urban planning laws, while others view it as a sensitive religious issue that requires balanced handling.
Following the court’s directive, the mosque located in the residential area of Sanjauli is to be demolished, with the costs incurred being the responsibility of the Waqf Board and the Sanjauli Mosque Committee.
