The Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board confirmed Latif Mohammad as president of the Sanjauli mosque committee during a district court hearing regarding unauthorised floors of the mosque. Following violent protests, the Municipal Commissioner’s Court authorized demolition, but the All Himachal Muslim Organisation challenged this. The next hearing is scheduled for November 30, highlighting tensions over urban governance and religious rights.
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board presented an 18-year-old document in the district court on Friday, identifying Latif Mohammad as the nominated president of the committee managing the contentious Sanjauli mosque in Shimla. The court sought clarity on “in what capacity Latif Mohammad offered to demolish the three unauthorised floors” of the disputed mosque.
The Waqf Board’s affidavit included a 2006 document nominating Latif as president of the Sanjauli mosque committee. However, AHMO counsel Vishva Bhushan highlighted that, under the Waqf Act, the tenure of committee members is five years.
Latif responded to the revelations, stating,
“The Waqf Board in its reply said I have been the president of the Sanjauli Mosque committee since 2006, and the Municipal Commissioners Court had also given notice to me in the capacity of president in September.”
The Sanjauli mosque has been at the center of local protests. On September 11, demonstrations against alleged illegal portions of the mosque turned violent, injuring ten people. In response, Latif Mohammad and others offered to demolish the three unauthorised floors, seeking permission from the Municipal Commissioner.
The Municipal Commissioner’s Court, on October 5, granted approval for the demolition, with a two-month deadline to complete the work. However, the All Himachal Muslim Organisation (AHMO) filed an appeal against the demolition order in the district court.
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The case is now set for its next hearing on November 30, with all eyes on the court’s decision. The dispute underscores broader tensions surrounding unauthorised constructions and local governance issues in Himachal Pradesh.
This legal battle reflects the complexities of balancing heritage, religious rights, and urban regulations.
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