The Shimla Municipal Commissioner Court has ordered the demolition of the top three floors of the Sanjauli Mosque in Himachal Pradesh.
The mosque’s committee and the Waqf Board have been given 2 months to complete the demolition, with the next hearing scheduled for December 21.
BS Thakur, an advocate representing the Waqf Board, stated, “The court has passed orders for the Masjid committee and Waqf Board to demolish the top three floors of the mosque at their own cost. The two-month deadline has been set for this process. Further decisions regarding the remaining structure will be made later.”
The controversy surrounding the mosque stems from allegations that its construction was illegal, leading to protests from local Hindu organizations.
Jagat Paul, representing local residents, remarked, “The court has determined that local residents need not be parties in this case since proceedings are already underway between the Administration and the mosque committee. We are pleased that the residents’ concerns have been acknowledged in today’s ruling.”
The situation escalated recently when AIMIM Delhi Chief Shoaib Jamai visited the mosque and shared a video on social media, claiming discriminatory actions against it compared to other illegal constructions in the area.
In response, the Sanjauli Mosque Committee strongly rejected Jamai’s claims, arguing that external influences are attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Shimla.
The committee and the local Muslim community distanced themselves from Jamai’s statements, condemning his remarks as detrimental to the region’s tranquility and calling for action against him.
The developments reflect ongoing tensions surrounding religious and community relations in Shimla.
