Shimla News: District Court Directs Waqf Board to Submit Affidavit for Clarification in Mosque Dispute

Shimla, November 19: A petition filed by Nazakat Ali, head of All Himachal Muslim Organization, against the Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner’s decision to demolish Sanjauli Mosque on October 5 was heard in the district court. The petition alleges that the commissioner’s decision is defective and should be sent back for re-examination.

Nazakat Ali has argued in his petition that the MC Commissioner has given this decision on the basis of the affidavit submitted by the Sanjauli Mosque Committee. The petitioner has termed it biased and wrong and has sought intervention from the district court. The lawyer of the Muslim side requested the court to send the matter to the Municipal Corporation Commissioner for re-hearing, so that the facts can be investigated in depth.

The district court has asked the Waqf Board to submit an affidavit seeking clarification in the mosque dispute. The court has questioned the legitimacy of the head of the mosque committee, Mohammad Latif, to know whether he was authorized by the Waqf Board. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for Friday, November 22. During this, the affidavit submitted by the Waqf Board and the arguments of other parties will be heard.

What is the matter
This dispute is related to the mosque in Sanjauli, regarding which the MC Commissioner had ordered to demolish it considering it an illegal construction. Muslim organizations have challenged it in the court, calling it a violation of religious and legal rights.