What is the role of a mufti or moulvi in issuing religious opinions in Manali?

A mufti in Manali is a scholar qualified to issue fatwas or religious opinions on matters of Muslim Personal Law. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has held that fatwas are advisory opinions and have no statutory or judicial binding force.

Under the Himachal Pradesh Rent Control Act 2012 and Muslim Personal Law, a mufti must be a scholar of recognised competence in Islamic jurisprudence. A moulvi serves as a religious teacher and leads prayers in the mosque.

Neither a mufti nor a moulvi can issue binding orders or enforce their opinions through state machinery. Their authority is moral and religious, not legal or coercive.