![[Sanjauli Mosque Case] "No Idea Who Constructed The Additional Four Floors": Waqf Board Claims Ownership as Court Questions Expansion](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-18-3.png?fit=700%2C394&ssl=1)
Yesterday, On 7th September, In the Sanjauli mosque case, the Waqf Board claimed ownership of the property, prompting the court to question how the original single-storey structure expanded to five storeys. Advocate Pal stated that they had to address the issue, as it had been unresolved in the Municipal Commissioner’s court for 14 years.
Shimla : In a Shimla court on Saturday, the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board claimed ownership of the land where a mosque in Sanjauli Colony located, but stated it had “no idea who constructed the additional four floors.”
The board emphasized that the issue isn’t the legality of the mosque itself, but the added floors to the structure on its land.
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Meanwhile, local residents of Sanjauli have filed an application to become a party in the case. Advocate Jagat Pal, representing the residents, argued that the land belongs to the state government’s revenue department and accused the Waqf Board of encroachment.
He further stated,
“The Waqf Board has been unable to produce any evidence of ownership.”
The locals also submitted complaints regarding the inconveniences caused by the structure. After hearing both sides, the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court scheduled the next hearing for October 5.
Advocate Jagat Pal stated that the residents felt compelled to intervene as the issue had been pending in the Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court for 14 years, and the Waqf Board was only included as a party in 2023.
He emphasized,
“This is not a communal issue, but one of illegal construction,”
He also argued that the mosque should be demolished.
Representing the Waqf Board, Advocate Bhup Singh Thakur acknowledged that the board aware of the construction of the first floor, but claimed they had “no knowledge of who built the additional four floors.” He urged the court not to demolish the mosque and to approve the construction plans.
Waqf Board State Officer Qutubuddin Ahmed maintained that the land belongs to the Waqf Board, citing records showing only a single-story mosque.
He added,
“We are not aware of who carried out the illegal construction.”
Ahmed also explained,
“The MC Commissioner’s Court sent a notice to the Waqf Board in 2023, and we submitted our reply at the last hearing.”
Speaking to reporters, a Waqf Board representative clarified that the dispute was not over ownership, but rather the further development of the mosque. He explained that according to records, when Shimla was part of Punjab, the Waqf Board gained ownership of the land, and emphasized that prayers would continue to be held at the mosque.
During the hearing, the court questioned the Waqf Board and the mosque committee on how the original single-storey mosque had expanded into a five-storey structure. This marked the 45th hearing in the ongoing case.
Two Hindu organizations held a protest at Chaura Maidan on Thursday, calling for the mosque’s demolition and labelling it illegal. Hindu Jagran Manch state president Kamal Gautam claimed the mosque was being used to shelter “outsiders.”
The issue also stirred debate in the Vidhan Sabha, where Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh supported the demolition, defending the protests by right-wing groups.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed the matter, stating,
“All state residents have the same rights, and I have respect for all religions.”
He added,
“Peaceful protests are allowed, but no one will be permitted to take the law into their own hands.”
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