Government’s Power Move: Taking Over 123 Waqf Board Assets
Government Takes Control of 123 Waqf Board Properties, Including Delhi’s Jama Masjid In a recent move, the central government has issued a notice to assume control over 123 properties belonging to the Waqf Board, which notably includes Delhi’s historic Jama Masjid.
This development follows a decision made by the ministry earlier this year, in February, to take over these 123 properties affiliated with the Waqf Board. These properties encompass mosques, dargahs (shrines), and graveyards.
The decision to assume control was guided by the recommendations put forth by a committee consisting of two members.
According to a report by PTI, a letter dated February 8 from the deputy land and development officer informed the board about the decision to relieve it of all responsibilities regarding these 123 Waqf properties. The report highlighted that the Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the central ministry stated that the committee, headed by retired Justice S P Garg, reported that no objections or claims were received from the Delhi Waqf Board regarding the issue of denotified Waqf properties.
The L&DO letter stated, “From the available facts, it is clear that the Delhi Waqf Board holds no stake in the listed properties, nor has it demonstrated any interest or filed any objections or claims. Therefore, the decision has been made to release the Delhi Waqf Board from all responsibilities related to the ‘123 Waqf Properties’.”
In a subsequent development, the Delhi High Court granted permission to the Union government in May to conduct a physical inspection of these 123 properties. These properties have become a subject of contention, as both the Delhi Waqf Board and the Union government assert their ownership rights.
The court’s ruling elicited a strong reaction from Aam Aadmi Party MLA and board chairman Amanatullah Khan. He expressed concerns that the decision has caused considerable anxiety, apprehension, and dissatisfaction among the Muslim community.