Muslim community, legal experts reject the report, call for transparency
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – A recent survey conducted by the district administration in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi has found that 406 out of 1,637 Waqf lands in the city are government-owned, triggering a wave of protests from the Muslim community. The findings, sent to the state government, have stirred significant controversy, with Muslim leaders and legal experts denouncing the report as misleading.
The survey, which involved an investigation by the Varanasi district administration, revealed that 1,637 properties are currently registered under the Waqf Board in the city. Of these, 1,537 lands belong to the Sunni community, while 100 properties are attributed to the Shia community. The report claims that 406 of these lands fall under government ownership. This has led to heated debates within the Muslim community, with many questioning the accuracy of the report.
Additional District Magistrate Vandita Srivastava, who led the survey, explained: “The survey has been completed, and based on our findings, 406 lands are registered as government property. This report has been sent to the Uttar Pradesh government for further action.” Srivastava noted that the survey took into account all government lands, including those designated as pastures and Gram Panchayat lands.
The response from the Muslim community in Varanasi has been swift and critical. Mukhtar from the Gyanvapi area firmly rejected the findings, stating, that the report was wrong. “There cannot be so many government lands. Some lands may indeed belong to the government, but the figure of 406 lands is simply incomprehensible. The administration has made a mistake in compiling this report.”
Mukhtar further emphasised the need for transparency, arguing, “In many instances, Waqf Board lands are occupied by private parties. This issue should also be thoroughly investigated, and the facts brought to light.”
Legal experts are also sceptical of the survey’s conclusions. Advocate Zeeshan Alam, who handles cases related to Waqf Board properties, called for greater transparency. “The report must be made public. Right now, we have only heard from one official. The entire government machinery, including Patwaris and other officers, has been involved in this survey, and only once the report is released can the facts be verified. We have old and well-documented records of these lands, and it’s critical that the government also reviews these records before taking any further steps,” he said.
The findings from Varanasi’s survey have added fuel to a growing debate about the status of Waqf lands in India. The issue of Waqf properties has long been contentious, with the Muslim community expressing concerns about their preservation and management. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting in Lucknow, which took place a day before the Varanasi survey was revealed, discussed the Waqf Amendment Act of 2024. During the meeting, it was disclosed that 78% of Waqf lands in Uttar Pradesh are government-owned, a revelation that has further intensified the controversy.
In Varanasi, there are accusations that the Waqf Board has unlawfully occupied government lands, despite claims to the contrary. The district administration insists that the survey was conducted diligently, with input from municipal bodies and tehsil offices, and that the results have been submitted to the state government for further examination.
A statement from the Waqf Board, addressing the allegations of land occupation, reiterated that the Board’s actions have always been in line with legal provisions. “Our records are intact, and all lands under our jurisdiction have been acquired through legal means. If the government takes action following the report, we will challenge the findings in court,” said a representative from the Waqf Board.
The statement also highlighted concerns about the integrity of the survey process. “We have always respected the legal process. However, it is essential that the findings be made public for scrutiny. Only after that can the community and legal experts verify the validity of these claims.”
The district administration has clarified that the survey report has been sent to the Uttar Pradesh government, and the next steps will depend on the instructions from the state authorities. “Based on the government’s directions, action will be taken accordingly. We have provided all necessary details, including the identification of government lands such as pastures and Gram Panchayat properties,” ADM Srivastava said.
As the issue continues to unfold, the conflict between the Waqf Board, the district administration, and the Muslim community remains unresolved. With all sides presenting conflicting views, the matter could move to the courts, where the legality of the Waqf Board’s land ownership will be examined.
This controversy adds to the ongoing debate about the management of Waqf lands in India and their proper use for the welfare of the Muslim community. Until a final resolution is reached, the citizens of Varanasi and the broader Muslim community are left grappling with the implications of the survey findings and the future of these contested lands.
