Controversy surrounding the demolition of the floor of the Sanjauli Mosque

The Shimla Municipal Commissioner’s Court is at the center of a contentious legal battle after ordering the demolition of the top three floors of the Sanjauli mosque due to alleged unauthorized construction. The mosque committee and the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board have been asked to provide an update on the condition of the other floors of the mosque.

Allegations of illegal construction, which the Waqf Board denies, have caused tension. The committee of the mosque started dismantling the upper floors in accordance with the court decision of October 5. However, the ongoing dispute dates back to the municipality’s notification in 2010 of a single-storey structure, according to reports of five floors by 2018.

The demolition order was met with backlash, leading to protests, one of which resulted in injuries on 9/11. Despite the willingness of some community leaders to obey, the All Himachal Muslim Organization appealed the court’s decision, the next hearing is scheduled for November 18 in the district court.

(With data from agencies.)