India

Delhi High Court Seeks Government Response On Waqf Tribunal Establishment Petition

The Delhi High Court has requested a response from the Delhi government regarding a petition urging the establishment of tribunal to handle disputes concerning Waqf properties under the Waqf Act. Justice Subramonium Prasad has directed the government to submit its reply and scheduled further consideration of the case for July.

The petition before the High Court was lodged by Masjid and Dargah Abdul Salam, situated in the Connaught Place area. It contends that the tribunal, mandated by Section 84 of the Waqf Act, has not been operational since April 2022.

According to the petition, the tribunal’s last functioning member, an Additional District Judge, was transferred from the Waqf tribunal to another court in April 2022. Despite the assumption of duty by another member of the State Judicial Service, the tribunal’s operation has ceased due to the absence of a requisite notification, as informed to the Court.

“However, the respondent no.1’s [Delhi government’s] apathy is manifest from the fact that the respondent no.1 did not issue the requisite Notification under Section 83 (1) of the Waqf Act, 1995. Consequently, the learned Waqf Tribunal continued to suffer from the defect, i.e., absence of Notification,” the petition explained.

It added that the failure of the Delhi government to issue the requisite notification not only contributed to the increased pendency of disputes before the Waqf Tribunal but also increases the burden on the High Court as litigants who want urgent interim relief have to approach the High Court.

“The petitioner [Masjid and Dargah Abdul Salam] is party to various litigations before the learned Waqf Tribunal involving the portions of the Waqf premises under reference. However, for want of Notification as required under Section 83 (1) of the Waqf Act, 1995, the trial of all those suits has abruptly come to a grinding halt, which causes serious injury to the petitioner,” the plea added.

Advocate Wajeeh Shafiq appeared for the petitioner and argued the case. The writ petition has been filed by advocate Mudassar Jahan Faridi.

Also Read: Supreme Court Hears Case Of Gender Discrimination In Army Promotions; Contempt Allegations And Fairness Of Process Debated

Srishti Verma

Recent Posts

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Global Leaders Condemn Attack; Stands With India In Solidarity

Gideon Saar, the Foreign Minister of Israel, condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam,…

3 hours ago

Amit Shah Visits Srinagar For High-Level Security Review Following Terror Attack In Pahalgam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday to conduct a high-level security…

4 hours ago

President Droupadi Murmu Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack; Extends Condolences

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her 'heartfelt' condolences to the families affected by the terrorist attack…

4 hours ago

Dr Rajeshwar Singh Calls For Mandatory Environmental Education On World Earth Day

Sarojini Nagar MLA Dr Rajeshwar Singh voiced serious concerns about the escalating environmental crisis on…

5 hours ago

PM Modi Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack; Vows Justice For Victims

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir,…

6 hours ago

Pahalgam Terror Attack: PM Modi Speaks To Amit Shah; Orders Swift Action

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday directed Union HM Amit Shah to take all necessary measures…

6 hours ago