The municipal corporation demands ₹62,334 from the tomb of the celebrated 19th-century Urdu poet
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a move that has baffled residents and heritage experts alike, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has issued a house tax notice demanding ₹62,334 from the tomb of Mir Babar Ali Anees, the celebrated 19th-century Urdu poet. The notice, accompanied by a stern three-day ultimatum, warns that failure to pay the amount will result in the confiscation of the property — a threat that has ignited widespread criticism and confusion.
The tax notice was issued by the LMC’s Zonal Office-6 under Chowk Kaliji Ward, listing the owner of the building as “Mir Anees” and the locality as Chobdari. Curiously, the notice left the mobile number field blank, raising questions about the legitimacy of the demand. According to municipal records, the tax has allegedly remained unpaid despite multiple notices and a 15-day attachment warrant. A fresh warrant, dated March 28, reiterates the demand and sets a 72-hour deadline.
The decision has been met with outrage from historians, cultural activists, and locals, who argue that taxing a centuries-old tomb—a site of literary and historical significance—is both illogical and insensitive.
“How can you impose a house tax on a burial place?” asked Dr Rizwan Ahmed, a historian specialising in Lucknow’s cultural heritage. “Mir Anees’s tomb is not a commercial establishment; it’s a sacred space that honours one of Urdu literature’s greatest poets. This is either a gross administrative error or a deliberate act of negligence.”
Local shopkeepers near the tomb expressed similar disbelief. “We’ve never heard of a grave being taxed,” said Mohd. Kaif, a resident of Chowk. “If the municipal corporation is struggling for funds, they should find better ways than harassing the dead.”
Meanwhile, officials within the LMC appear divided on the matter. Ashok Singh, the Chief Tax Officer, claimed that tombs are generally exempt from property tax unless they house commercial activities. “Residential and religious structures, including tombs, are not supposed to be taxed under normal circumstances,” he said. “If there is a shop or business operating within the premises, only then does the commercial tax apply. I am not aware of this particular case and will need to investigate,” he said.
The tomb’s caretakers say they were blindsided by the notice. “We never received any prior warnings or letters,” said one caretaker, who wished to remain anonymous. “Suddenly, we’re being told to pay a huge sum within three days, or the government will take over the property. This makes no sense—how can you attach a tomb?”
Legal experts point out that religious and heritage structures in India are typically exempt from property taxes unless they generate income through commercial use. “If there is no rent or business activity linked to the tomb, then this tax demand is legally questionable,” said advocate Priya Sharma. “The LMC needs to clarify its stance immediately.”
The controversy has also raised concerns about the municipal corporation’s broader tax collection policies. Critics argue that such haphazard notices reflect systemic inefficiency and a lack of proper documentation. “This isn’t just about one tomb,” said social activist Arun Mishra. “If the LMC is sending tax demands to heritage sites without verification, how many other errors are slipping through? They need to audit their records before harassing citizens.”
Heritage lovers have called for urgent intervention from the Uttar Pradesh government to prevent what they see as an unjust seizure. “Mir Anees’s poetry is part of our cultural identity,” said scholar Fatima Naqvi. “His resting place should be preserved, not treated as a revenue source.”
The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has yet to issue an official clarification on the matter. For now, the poet’s tomb stands at the centre of an avoidable bureaucratic storm—one that has left the city questioning whether its historical legacy is truly valued by those in power.
