Over a Century old: Muslim body produces 1915 record to defend Sanjauli Mosque’s legality
Old photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Dec 8,
The dispute over the multi-storey mosque structure in Sanjauli has taken a new turn, with the All Himachal Muslims Organisation producing a 1915 revenue record to assert that the mosque is a legally established place of worship and not an encroachment, as alleged by several protesting groups. The organisation and the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board have termed the ongoing controversy an unnecessary attempt to vitiate communal harmony in the state.
Addressing media persons in Shimla, Nazakat Ali Hashmi, President of the All Himachal Muslims Organisation, said the Sanjauli mosque has existed for more than a century and is reflected in official records across decades. “The mosque has been there since 1915. It appeared in the 1997–98 and 2003 revenue records as well. Later entries showing only the government as landowner indicate tampering,” he alleged.
Hashmi further stated that the mosque committee had followed due procedure while seeking permission for additional construction. “In 2013, we applied for constructing three more floors. The Municipal Corporation did not object. Under the rules, silence for 90 days implies approval. Nevertheless, we will abide by all court directions,” he said, adding that a fresh application will soon be filed to regularise the structure.
The Waqf Board has also reiterated that the land on which the mosque stands is historically a Waqf property, donated by the chieftain of the erstwhile Koti dynasty to Ladakhi Muslims engaged in constructing the Hindustan–Tibet Road during British rule. The Board informed that while the Sanjauli mosque is a notified Waqf property, its revenue entries erroneously remain in the name of the Himachal Pradesh Government. “Revenue entries do not confer ownership. Title flows from valid documents, and this property is a registered Waqf holding,” an official said.
Including the Sanjauli mosque, there are around 750 notified Waqf properties in Himachal Pradesh, of which 28 are in Shimla district. The Board has moved the High Court after lower courts declared the structure illegal, with the Shimla District Court in May 2025 holding the top five floors unlawful. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has since ordered demolition of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors while staying action against the ground and first floors. The matter will next be heard on March 9.
Both the All-Himachal Muslims Organisation and the Waqf Board claimed that the controversy is being amplified by certain groups, which they allege are being supported by a political insider, to polarise the issue.”
He added that Himachal Pradesh has a strong tradition of communal harmony and warned against attempts by any quarters to disturb the atmosphere. He said that strict action should be taken against those attempting to mislead the public or create divisions.”
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