NEW DELHI: Shimla district court on Saturday rejected an appeal filed by the All Himachal Muslim Organisation (AHMO) challenging an order from the Shimla municipal commissioner’s court that directed the demolition of three floors of the Sanjauli mosque.
The controversy surrounding the mosque’s expansion dates back to 2011 when the Shimla municipal corporation issued a demolition notice. The building, originally a single-story structure, had been reportedly expanded to five stories without the required approvals.
According to a PTI report, Latif Mohammad, president of the Sanjauli mosque committee, offered to voluntarily remove the three unauthorized floors in response to the court’s order. He sought permission from the municipal commissioner to proceed with the demolition. The municipal commissioner’s court subsequently issued an order on October 5, 2024, authorising the demolition, and gave two months to complete the task.
AHMO contested the demolition order, arguing that Latif Mohammad lacked the authority to represent the mosque in this matter. However, Mohammad has consistently maintained that he has held this position since 2006 and was notified by the municipal commissioner’s court in his capacity as president regarding the demolition order.
Mohammad also cited logistical challenges in carrying out the demolition, noting a shortage of available labor, as many workers had returned to their home states. “However, whatever decision the court will take, we will accept it,” he said.
The Waqf Board claims ownership of the land on which the mosque stands. However, local residents have disputed this, asserting that the land belongs to the state revenue department. They also claim that the mosque’s expansion has caused significant disruption to the surrounding area.A