Shimla, Oct 11,
In a development, the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Shimla, issued an interim order on October 5, 2024, directing the removal of unauthorized portions of the Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla. The decision follows a long-standing case initiated after a complaint was lodged regarding unauthorized construction on Waqf Board property.
The complaint, originally filed in 2010, alleged that the Sanjauli Masjid Committee had undertaken reconstruction without the necessary approvals from the Municipal Corporation. Following a site inspection, the Junior Engineer of the corporation reported that parts of the ground floor of the mosque had been reconstructed beyond permissible limits. Despite multiple notices, including those issued in 2010 and 2019, the mosque committee failed to comply with local regulations, continuing unauthorized construction across several floors.
In 2012, the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board had issued a “No Objection Certificate” for the mosque’s reconstruction, contingent on approval from local authorities. However, this condition was ignored, resulting in legal proceedings against the committee. By 2019, the total area of unauthorized construction had expanded to over 590 square meters, encompassing the ground, first, second, and third floors.
On September 12, 2024, the president of the Sanjauli Masjid Committee voluntarily requested permission to remove the unauthorized structures. The Waqf Board, represented by its estate officer, followed up with a statement on September 13, 2024, expressing no objection to the committee’s request to dismantle the unauthorized portions.
The Municipal Corporation’s order allows the removal of three unauthorized floors (second, third, and fourth) under the supervision of the Waqf Board. The mosque committee is tasked with carrying out the demolition at its own expense, ensuring safety precautions are in place, and coordinating with district authorities to avoid any disruptions to public order.
The remaining portion of the mosque will be reviewed later in accordance with legal procedures. The next hearing is scheduled for December 21, 2024, to ensure compliance with the court’s orders.
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