Sanjauli mosque committee seeks waqf board approval for demolition of unauthorized structure amid legal disputes

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 16 : The Sanjauli Mosque Committee has approached the Waqf Board for authorization to carry out the demolition of unauthorized structures within the Sanjauli Mosque premises.
The committee emphasized that they would proceed with the demolition only after receiving formal approval from the Waqf Board and in accordance with the Municipal Commissioner's order.
On October 5, the court of the Municipal Commissioner issued an order mandating the removal of three unauthorized floors of the mosque, with a two-month deadline for compliance.
In response, the mosque committee submitted a letter to the Waqf Board, seeking its legal opinion and permission to proceed. The committee has highlighted that since the Waqf Board holds ownership of the property, any action regarding the structure must align with its directives.
The committee has expressed its willingness to adhere to the decision once the Waqf Board's approval is obtained.
"We have written for approval of Waqf Board ,I have attached the copy of the orders of the commissioner and have asked direct the Mosque committee to adhere the orders.This includes demolishing one upper attaque floor and two lower floors, as stipulated by the Commissioner's directive, to ensure compliance with legal requirements," said Mohmmad Latif Negi, Chief of Sanjauli mosque.
"As the property belongs to the waqf board. The Local community members have voiced support for the committee's decision, viewing it as a step toward maintaining communal harmony in Sanjauli and the surrounding areas," Negi added.
Meanwhile, the All Himachal Muslim Organization had declared earlier its intention to challenge the Municipal Commissioner's decision in an appellate court. The organisation argues that the order relied on unauthorized applications and overlooked significant aspects related to the mosque's history and owners.