Sanjauli mosque controversy has reignited with the All Himachal Muslim Organisation claiming that the mosque is not illegal and has been registered in revenue records since 1915 under the name ‘Gair Mumkin Masjid’.
Addressing a press conference in Baluganj on Monday, organisation president Nazakat Hashmi presented historical revenue records to support their claim that the mosque has legal standing, countering allegations made during recent protests by Hindu organizations in Shimla.
Revenue records from 1915 cited
Hashmi stated that according to 1915 revenue records, Khasra number 107 is registered as ‘Gair Mumkin Masjid’. He further cited 1997-98 revenue records showing that in Khasra number 107, the government is recorded as the owner in the malik (owner) column, while the mosque is recorded under kasht (cultivation/occupation).
“From 1915 until now, the mosque’s name has been recorded. This clearly proves that the mosque is not illegal,” Hashmi asserted.
Municipal Corporation application pending since 2013
The organization revealed that in 2013, the mosque committee had applied to the Municipal Corporation to approve the existing structure, but no objection has been raised by the corporation to date.
Along with this application, permission was also sought to add additional floors to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. “We accept that the upper floors were unauthorized, and they have already been demolished. We will now reapply to the Municipal Corporation Commissioner for approval of the lower floors’ blueprint,” Hashmi said.
Wrong facts presented during protests: Muslim body
The Muslim organization accused Hindu groups of presenting incorrect facts during recent demonstrations in Shimla city regarding the mosque. Hashmi emphasized that their claims are backed by over a century of official government records.
High Court stay in place
Hashmi informed that the High Court has currently granted a stay on the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for March 9. “Whatever orders the court issues, we will accept them,” he stated, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to abide by judicial decisions.
Background
The Sanjauli mosque became the center of a major controversy in recent months, with the Shimla district court ordering its demolition after declaring it illegal. The Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board had challenged this order in the High Court, which was initially dismissed by a division bench.
Subsequently, the Waqf Board was granted liberty to file a fresh petition on the same grounds, which will be heard by a single bench of the High Court.
The mosque committee had voluntarily demolished the unauthorized upper floors following the court order, but maintained that the lower structure has legal standing.
Disputed claims
While the Muslim organization claims the mosque has been on revenue records since 1915, questions remain about:
- Whether subsequent construction and expansions were authorized
- The legal status of the land ownership versus occupation rights
- Municipal approvals for the current structure
- Compliance with building bylaws and regulations
The case continues to be a flashpoint in Himachal Pradesh, with both legal and social dimensions. The March 9 High Court hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the mosque’s legal status based on the fresh petition to be filed by the Waqf Board.
