Decision on demolition of mosque to be challenged

Having been declared illegal, the Muslim Welfare Society has decided to challenge the Mandi Municipal Commissioner’s decision on demolition of the 70-year-old mosque on the Jail Road in the High Court. The mosque has been declared illegal by Mandi MC as its construction took place without the requisite approval from the TCP Department.

Although the mosque is nearly 70 years old, recent construction initiated in 2023 following heavy rains has led to this legal controversy. Even as approval for the illegally built portions of the mosque was awaited, by June 2024 a two-story structure was raised illegally, prompting the MC to issue a notice to halt construction. When the mosque failed to comply, MC authorities confiscated construction material and tools.

The issue first came to light in October 2023 when Ghanshyam, a local resident, alerted the MC about ongoing illegal construction. Officials responded promptly and discovered that the mosque was undergoing repairs after it suffered damage from heavy rainfall the previous year. MC authorities instructed mosque representatives to obtain the necessary building plan approval prior to any further work, but the mosque authorities failed to submit the required documents for an extended period.

A revised plan was finally submitted in October 2023. However, it was found to be deficient in several areas. Officials advised those looking after the mosque to address these shortcomings but, instead, they added two more storeys illegally.

A summary investigation was initiated on July 24, 2024, emphasising the need for the mosque to rectify its construction according to the HP TCP regulations. Despite ample time having been given to address the issues, no satisfactory actions were taken. Consequently, under Section 31(1) of the HP TCP Act, the MC Commissioner, HS Rana, ordered the restoration of the site to its original condition within 30 days, as of September 13.

Further investigations revealed that the Ehle Islaam Society has the possession of over 231 sq m land, while construction was found on 240 sq m. The encroached land belonged to the Public Works Department. The Commissioner confirmed that without a map approved by the TCP Department, the entire structure remains illegal.

Declared illegal by Mandi MC

• The Mandi Municipal Corporation had declared the mosque illegal as it was constructed without approval from the Town and Country Planning Department
• Although the mosque is nearly 70 years old, recent construction initiated in 2023 following heavy rains has led to this legal controversy
• By June, a two-storey structure was raised illegally, prompting the MC to issue a notice to halt construction