District Court dismisses Waqf Board plea, clears way for Sanjauli Mosque demolition
Old photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Oct 30,
The District Court on Thursday dismissed the petition filed by the Waqf Board and the Sanjauli Mosque Committee, upholding the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s earlier order to demolish the Sanjauli Mosque. With this ruling, the court confirmed that all five floors of the structure will be razed for violating building regulations.
/https://himachalscape.com/shimla-sessions-court-stays-demolition-of-sanjauli-mosque-relief-to-waqf-board/Additional District Judge Yajuvendra Singh delivered the verdict after reserving it on October 6, following detailed arguments presented by the counsels of both the Waqf Board and the Municipal Corporation. The court observed that the mosque structure had been constructed without requisite approvals and in contravention of municipal laws, thereby validating the Commissioner’s demolition order.
The matter traces back to May 3, when the Commissioner’s Court had declared the entire Sanjauli Mosque illegal and ordered the demolition of its lower two floors. The Waqf Board challenged this order on May 17, leading to a temporary stay on demolition granted on May 26, which continued till July 5. Over subsequent hearings, both sides presented their arguments, with final debates held on September 6.
After months of legal proceedings, today’s judgment marks a decisive conclusion, empowering the Municipal Corporation to proceed with the demolition. The court emphasized that construction activities in violation of sanctioned plans cannot be regularized under any circumstances.
https://himachalscape.com/shimla-mc-orders-demolition-of-sanjauli-mosque-after-15-year-legal-battle/Municipal officials said that the next course of action would be taken in accordance with the court’s directions, while sources in the Waqf Board indicated that the board may consider approaching a higher court against the order.
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