Shimla Court orders Sanjauli mosque to demolish unauthorised floors within 2 months at its own expense

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) – The Shimla Court has ordered the demolition of illegally constructed 3 floors of the 5-storeyed Sanjauli mosque within the next 2 months. The next hearing in this case will be held on December 21. The Court said in the order that the mosque committee and the Waqf board should demolish the upper 3 floors of the mosque at their own expense. The Court also clarified that the decision about remaining illegal parts of the building will be taken later.

The construction of Sanjauli mosque started in 2009. By 2010, there was a controversy over the construction of the mosque. A total of 38 notices were issued to the mosque by the Municipal Corporation to prevent illegal construction. (Instead of taking direct action, the Municipal Corporation only tried to show that they were ‘doing something’ to prevent illegal construction through these notices – Editor).

Editorial Perspective

Why the Court has to order this ? What were the Government and administration doing when three illegal floors were being constructed ? The demand of millions of Hindus of the State is that the Court should fine the negligent officials and punish those who erected illegal floors.