Sanjauli Mosque Case: Shimla Court Orders Complete Demolition, Declares Entire Structure Illegal

Sanjauli Mosque Case – In a major development in the ongoing Sanjauli Mosque controversy, the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s Court has ordered the complete demolition of the Sanjauli Mosque, declaring the entire structure illegal. The verdict came today after the Waqf Board failed to produce valid ownership documents or structural approvals for the building.

Court Declares Sanjauli Mosque Entirely Illegal

The ruling was pronounced by Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupinder Atri after 1:00 PM on Friday. The court noted that the Waqf Board had been instructed to present authenticated land ownership documents and an approved structural map of the mosque. However, the Board’s legal representatives were unable to fulfill this directive or mount a convincing legal defense.

As a result, the court unequivocally labeled the entire structure as illegal and ordered its complete demolition, including the remaining two lower floors that were yet to be dismantled.

⚖️ Legal Arguments Fall Short in Court

During the hearing, the Waqf Board’s lawyer claimed that the mosque had existed on the site since before 1947, and was reconstructed after being demolished at some point. However, Advocate Jagat Palne, representing a local Sanjauli resident, challenged this claim by questioning the absence of necessary approvals.

He argued that if the structure was indeed rebuilt post-1947, then why were mandatory approvals such as a structural blueprint and demolition-reconstruction permission not obtained from the Shimla Municipal Corporation?

The court sided with Palne’s arguments, highlighting the procedural lapses and declaring the mosque to be a violation of municipal norms.

Background: What Is the Sanjauli Mosque Case?

The Sanjauli Mosque row has been a point of contention in Shimla for several months. The issue gained traction after an incident in Matiyana, Shimla district, where some local youths were allegedly assaulted. The event triggered outrage and protests by various Hindu organizations, bringing the spotlight onto the mosque’s legality.

In an attempt to defuse tensions, the Sanjauli Mosque Committee on September 11, 2024, voluntarily agreed to demolish parts of the mosque alleged to be illegal. Following that, on October 5, the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court officially approved the demolition of three upper floors of the structure.

What Happens Next?

With today’s ruling, the entire mosque structure is now set for demolition. Authorities are expected to carry out the order under municipal supervision, ensuring no further violation of civic laws.

This decision could set a precedent for similar cases where religious or private structures have been built without proper documentation or municipal approvals.