Sanjauli Mosque dispute reaches Himachal Pradesh High Court; Waqf Board challenges demolition order
Old photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Nov 28,
Shimla’s long-running and contentious Sanjauli Mosque dispute has entered a decisive phase, with the matter now before the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The Waqf Board on Thursday filed a petition challenging the District Court’s October 30 judgment that upheld the Municipal Commissioner’s order declaring two lower floors of the mosque illegal and directing their demolition. A Division Bench of Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Romesh Verma is scheduled to hear the case later today.
The District Court had affirmed that the mosque was constructed on government land and that the two lower floors—part of a five-storey structure—were raised without any permission from the Municipal Corporation. The court directed the Waqf Board and the Sanjauli Mosque Committee to demolish the illegal portions within two months, failing which the MC would carry out the demolition and recover the cost from the defendants. While modifying part of the Commissioner’s findings, the court held both the Waqf Board and the Mosque Committee jointly responsible for the unauthorized construction.
The Sanjauli Mosque case dates back nearly 16 years and has witnessed more than 50 hearings. The dispute intensified after a clash between two groups in Mahli on August 31, 2024, sparking protests by Hindu organizations in Shimla on September 1 and 5. Violent demonstrations erupted in Sanjauli–Dhali on September 11. The following day, the Mosque Committee itself approached the Municipal Commissioner’s Court offering to remove the illegal portions.
Key developments include the Commissioner’s October 5, 2024 order permitting demolition of three floors, the subsequent demolition of two floors by the Mosque Committee, and the May 3, 2025 order directing the removal of the remaining two floors. The Waqf Board’s challenge led to interim stay and multiple hearings before the District Court finally delivered its judgment on October 30.
With the High Court now seized of the matter, the next hearing will determine whether the demolition order stands or receives judicial relief.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.