The court acts on a petition filed by the management committee of Masjid Parao Wali in Shahdara
NEW DELHI – The management committee of Masjid Parao Wali has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, demanding action against the illegal sale of Waqf property in Shahdara in the east of the national capital. The case concerns the sale of approximately 118 square yards of Waqf land located on the Babarpur Road, West Rohtash Nagar, which was illegally sold by the tenant.
Justice Tara Vitasta Ganji on Monday issued a notice to the Delhi Police, Delhi Waqf Board, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the buyer and seller involved in the transaction, seeking responses from all parties involved. The court has asked them to file their replies within two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for May 14.
The petition was filed by the mosque’s management committee through Advocate Wajih Shafiq. According to the petition, the Waqf property, originally rented to Dayal Singh, the proprietor of M/s Dayal Singh Inderjit Singh, was sold illegally. The mosque committee alleges that the tenant sold the property without proper authority, a move that violates the principles governing Waqf land.
Advocate Shafiq emphasised in the court that the mosque committee had taken prompt action once they became aware of the illegal sale. On January 13, 2025, the committee met with the in-charge of Shahdara police station and shared detailed information regarding the transaction. The following day, a written complaint was submitted to the Delhi Waqf Board and the Station House Officer (SHO). Additionally, on January 16, the committee complained to MCD officials, requesting an investigation into the matter. However, despite these efforts, the petition claims that no action has been taken by the authorities.
In response to the petition, the court directed the Delhi Police, MCD, and other involved departments to submit a detailed response within two weeks. During the hearing, the authorities assured the court that appropriate action would be taken to address the illegal sale of the Waqf property. The court’s decision has brought the matter to public attention, underlining the need for a thorough investigation into the illegal transaction.
The case highlights the issue of Waqf properties being misused or sold without proper legal proceedings, which has been a growing concern in various parts of the country. Waqf properties, which are meant to be held in trust for the benefit of the Muslim community, are often subjected to illegal transactions, depriving the community of its rightful assets.
The management committee of Masjid Parao Wali has called on the Delhi Waqf Board and other relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure that those responsible for the illegal sale are held accountable. Advocate Shafiq urged the court to ensure that such incidents do not repeat and that Waqf properties are protected from exploitation.
“This is a matter of serious concern, as it involves the violation of trust and the misappropriation of property that belongs to the Muslim community,” said Advocate Shafiq. “We expect the authorities to take immediate action to rectify this issue and prevent further illegal sales of Waqf property.”
The upcoming hearings will likely reveal more details regarding the sale and whether those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. The petition’s progress in the Delhi High Court serves as a critical step towards safeguarding Waqf properties and ensuring that the community’s rights are respected.
With the next hearing scheduled for May 14, the court’s decision will be eagerly awaited, especially by the mosque management committee, which is hopeful that justice will be served. The case serves as a reminder of the need for stronger enforcement of laws to protect Waqf properties from illegal sale and misuse.
In the coming weeks, as the investigation continues, the authorities will be under pressure to act swiftly, ensuring that such unlawful transactions are prevented in the future. The case marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to protect Waqf land from exploitation and uphold the rights of the community it serves.
