Hearing in Sanjauli Masjid Case Postponed, Next Date Set for April 26
Sanjauli Mosque
Shimla, March 23, 2025: The legal proceedings surrounding the controversial Sanjauli Masjid case took a new turn on Saturday during a hearing in the court of the Municipal Corporation Commissioner. This hearing, originally scheduled for March 15, had been postponed due to a public holiday and took place on March 22. However, the hearing witnessed a notable absence as Mohammad Latif, the President of the Sanjauli Masjid Committee, did not appear in court.
During the hearing, the lawyer representing the Waqf Board requested more time to update the revenue records concerning the land in question. For this purpose, an application has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Shimla. After considering the request, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner has set the next date for hearing on April 26, 2025.
High Court’s Instructions for Early Settlement
The case has been under significant legal scrutiny, with the Himachal Pradesh High Court issuing directives for its early resolution. During the latest hearing, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner noted that the High Court had emphasized the need for a swift settlement. In response, Advocate Jagat Paul, who is representing the local residents, mentioned that he had also raised the matter before the High Court and it could potentially be heard in the upcoming week.
This case gained momentum last October when the High Court ordered the demolition of the upper three floors of the Sanjauli Masjid, which were deemed illegal. The court had given the mosque authorities an eight-week period to carry out the demolition, a deadline that has passed without full compliance. As of the last hearing, the mosque committee had only completed about 60 to 70 percent of the demolition work.
Committee Seeks More Time
The Sanjauli Masjid Committee has expressed its challenges in completing the demolition within the stipulated time frame. According to the committee, the primary reasons for the delay have been a shortage of laborers and limited financial resources. As a result, the committee had requested an extension of the deadline. However, this additional time also expired on March 15, and the demolition work remains incomplete.
In light of the delay, the local residents have filed an execution application in the High Court, urging that the court’s orders be enforced promptly. They are seeking the removal of the illegal construction in accordance with the earlier judgment.
Ongoing Legal Struggles
The case has sparked tensions in the local community, with various stakeholders involved, including the mosque committee, the Waqf Board, and the local residents. The legal battle has been complicated by the mosque committee’s inability to complete the court-ordered demolition, leading to mounting pressure for action. The next hearing on April 26 will be crucial in determining whether the mosque committee will be given further time to complete the demolition or if the Municipal Corporation will take additional steps to enforce the High Court’s ruling.
As the case continues to unfold, the residents of Sanjauli and the broader Shimla community remain keenly aware of the legal developments. With the involvement of both the Municipal Corporation Commissioner and the High Court, the final resolution of the Sanjauli Masjid case is eagerly awaited by all parties involved.
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