Shimla Court Orders Demolition Of 3 Unauthorised Floors Of Disputed Sanjauli Mosque

The court of Shimla Municipal Commissioner ordered the removal of three unauthorised floors of the mosque in Sanjauli, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday, giving the Waqf Board two months to carry out the directive.

The court’s order applies to the second, third, and fourth floors of the mosque, and the next hearing is scheduled for December 21.

BS Thakur, a lawyer representing the Waqf Board, said that the court has directed both the mosque committee and the Waqf Board to carry out the demolition at their own expense.

“The time limit of two months has been given for the demolition. In due course, it will be decided about the rest of the portion of the building. The next date of hearing is 21st December. The mosque committee has given the undertaking to demolish the top three floors,” Thakur told the media.

Following the order, Latif Negi, the chairman of the mosque committee, said they respect the court’s decision regarding the unauthorised floors.

“We respect the court order. We had given in writing that we were willing to demolish the unauthorised floors. We will not go to the court now,” Negi stated.

The Muslim Welfare Committee, in a representation, also offered to demolish the unauthorised floors themselves.

Hindu organisations have been protesting against the unauthorised construction of the mosque in the state and are demanding the demolition of the illegal floors.

(With inputs from agencies)