In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court put a temporary stay on the demolition of upper floors of a mosque located in Sanjauli, Shimla. The municipal authorities had earlier initiated action after raising concerns regarding structural and permission-related irregularities at the site.
The mosque’s management committee approached the High Court, arguing that the demolition was carried out without proper assessment and without giving them a fair opportunity to present documentation. The petitioners said the structure had existed for years and claimed that religious institutions were being selectively targeted under the guise of enforcement.
The court, taking note of the arguments, directed authorities to halt any further demolition until a detailed examination is completed. It also instructed the civic body to produce records related to the construction permissions, notices issued and assessment reports. The judges stated that while illegal constructions cannot be allowed to stand, procedural fairness must be strictly ensured.
The stay order has brought temporary relief to the community, which had staged protests demanding a transparent review. The administration maintains that it was only following standard procedures applicable to all buildings. The case is likely to spark a broader discussion on how religious structures across Himachal Pradesh are regulated, especially in densely populated hill towns where land scarcity and construction norms often become contentious.
