Wakf Tribunal faces space crunch post state bifurcation

Hyderabad: The Wakf Tribunal, which deals with disputes and other cases pertaining to properties which are deemed wakf, has not been fully functional for several weeks. As it turns out, the tribunal has neither a registrar nor infrastructure.

According to sources from the Minorities Welfare Department (MWD) which deals with setting up of the tribunal, though the Wakf (Amendment) Act of 2013 has been repealed, the constitution of the tribunal as prescribed remains valid. But though three members are required to complete the tribunal, on ly two ­ including former Majlise-Ittehadul Muslimeen corporator who is a lawyer by profession, Mohsina Parveen have been appointed. The department is yet to appoint a third member.

“We are facing difficulties as cases are neither being taken up, nor are dates for hearings being assigned to us. The tribunal was functioning from the city civil courts complex in Purani Haveli.But post bifurcation, the space which was to be given to Telangana for the tribunal is occupied by Andhra Pradesh. We are waiting for the tribunal to work,“ said a lawyer who did not wish to be identified.

Citing a Supreme Court ruling, MWD secretary , Syed Omer Jaleel said that though the constitution of the Wakf Tribunal has not been completed, the apex court has held that it can run with one presiding officer. But he did admit to the lack of infrastructure and personnel that has hit its functioning. The secretary also said that the Wakf Tribunal does not have space from where it can function.

“I wrote to the registrar of the High Court around a fortnight ago apprising him of the situation. I have informed him of the space and infrastructure issue.In such matters, clarification from the HC is taken. We are waiting for a response and are sure it will come shortly,“ he said.

Courtesy: Times Of India