The Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla has become the focus of a significant legal and social development, as its committee began the long-awaited demolition of three illegally constructed storeys following the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board’s approval. The demolition is in response to an order from the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s Court, after years of controversy surrounding unauthorised construction on the site.
The Sanjauli Mosque has been at the center of a legal dispute that traces its roots back to 2010. That year, the mosque committee erected pillars on the site without proper authorisation, prompting the Shimla Municipal Corporation to issue a notice. Despite the warning, the committee moved ahead with additional construction, eventually building three illegal storeys between 2015 and 2018. In 2019, the Municipal Corporation issued another notice, but no concrete action followed for several years.
The Waqf Board, which owns the land, was also served notices over the years, with the latest one issued in July 2023. Despite mounting pressure, the illegal construction was not addressed until recently. The issue escalated after protests and political intervention brought it back into the public spotlight.
Tensions surrounding the mosque increased in August 2024, when a violent incident between two communities in Shimla’s Malyana area brought further attention to the illegal construction. The dispute escalated when six individuals involved in the scuffle sought refuge inside the mosque, prompting a protest outside the mosque led by Congress councillor Neetu Thakur. The protest, which saw hundreds of people gather, intensified the calls for action against the illegal floors, leading to renewed scrutiny of the mosque’s construction.
The issue was further amplified in September when Cabinet Minister Aniruddh Singh raised concerns in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, accusing illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants of infiltrating the state. Singh produced documents showing that the mosque had been built on government land without proper authorisation. The minister claimed that the matter had been raised 44 times over the past 14 years, yet no action had been taken. Singh’s demands for immediate demolition sparked protests from Hindu organisations, further escalating tensions.
On September 12, clashes between protestors and police erupted during demonstrations, resulting in injuries to both parties. The police had to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the crowds after protestors began pelting stones. Following the clashes, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed, and security around the mosque was significantly increased.
Amid growing protests and increasing pressure from various political and community groups, the Sanjauli Mosque Committee admitted to the court that the top three floors had been illegally constructed. In an effort to resolve the situation peacefully, the committee sought permission to demolish the unauthorised sections themselves.
The court of Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri, on October 5, 2024, ordered the mosque committee to demolish the top three floors of the mosque within two months, at its own expense. In response, the mosque committee sent a letter to the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board, seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to proceed with the demolition.
The Waqf Board, which holds ownership of the land on which the mosque stands, granted the NOC, allowing the committee to move forward with the demolition process. The Waqf Board stated that the local mosque committee had the authority to handle the matter in accordance with municipal regulations, as long as proper permissions were obtained.
The Shimla Municipal Corporation was informed of the NOC, but there were issues with the map submitted by the mosque committee, which contained discrepancies. Despite these challenges, the demolition process is now underway.
On October 22, Mohammed Latif, president of the Sanjauli Mosque Committee, confirmed that the demolition had officially begun. Laborers were hired to start removing the tin roof and the attic as part of the demolition process. Latif emphasised that the committee was following the court order “in letter and spirit.”
However, the process has been slowed due to a shortage of funds. Latif explained that although the committee was determined to comply with the court’s directive, the complete demolition of the three floors could take up to four months because of financial constraints. The committee is now seeking additional funds to complete the demolition.
Latif also noted that the demolition would proceed as soon as the necessary funds are raised, with laborers already working to dismantle parts of the structure. The committee has informed the Shimla Municipal Corporation and other concerned authorities about the ongoing work.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu welcomed the mosque committee’s decision to comply with the court order. In a public statement, he praised the Muslim community for their willingness to take responsibility and work toward maintaining peace in the state. “This is a significant example where the Muslim community has come forward on its own to uphold peace and brotherhood in Himachal Pradesh. It reflects the spirit of unity and harmony that defines our state,” said Sukhu.
Urban Local Bodies Minister Vikramaditya Singh echoed these sentiments and assured the mosque committee that if they faced further financial difficulties, they could request an extension from the court. “The committee can move an application before the municipal commissioner’s court if they need more time or financial assistance. The court will take a decision based on the law,” said Singh.
The demolition process is closely monitored by the Shimla Municipal Corporation, and security around the site has been heightened to prevent any further unrest. The ongoing demolition follows years of legal battles and public protests, but it is seen as a step toward resolving the long-standing issue.
The High Court of Himachal Pradesh is also involved in the matter. While hearing a petition filed by local residents regarding the unauthorised construction, the court directed the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner to decide on the main pending case concerning the illegal construction within eight weeks.
A final hearing on the Sanjauli Mosque case is scheduled for December 21, 2024, when the court is expected to make further decisions regarding the mosque’s future and any remaining legal disputes. The demolition of the illegal floors, once completed, may set a legal precedent for dealing with similar cases of unauthorised construction in the region.
