Waqf Board to offer legal relief despite illegal encroachment on the historical site
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Jalna district of Maharashtra is at the centre of controversy as 27 acres of Waqf Board land, historically significant due to its association with the Kali Masjid, faces ongoing illegal occupation. The encroachments began in 2008, reportedly with the involvement of Waqf Board officials, and despite multiple notices issued to the 500 families occupying the land, the situation remains unresolved.
Samir Qazi, Chairman of the Waqf Board, has recently announced that those illegally occupying the land will be granted legal relief. This decision has raised eyebrows, given the historical and legal complexities surrounding the site. The Kali Masjid, a structure dating back to 1578 and built by the ruling Nizam Shahi family, is a notable landmark in Old Jalna. Known for its black stone construction and capacity to accommodate around 700 worshippers, the mosque holds significant historical and cultural value.
The Waqf Board’s action comes after several notices were sent to the encroachers, who have been defying these directives. Despite the illegal nature of their occupation, the Waqf Board has decided not to take punitive action against the residents, opting instead to offer legal relief. This move has been interpreted as an attempt to address the complex socio-political landscape surrounding the property.
Arjun Khotkar, a former state minister and leader of the Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, has advocated for the property to be returned to its rightful ownership. Khotkar, a resident of Jalna, has been actively involved in discussions regarding the land, urging Samir Qazi and the Waqf Board to resolve the issue.
Shabbir Ansari, a long-time advocate for Waqf property protection in Maharashtra, has been critical of the situation. According to Ansari, in 2008, some Waqf Board officials provided illegal accommodation to 88 individuals, which has since expanded to 500 people. “This land, which could have been used for national welfare, is now being misappropriated,” Ansari remarked, highlighting the broader implications of the encroachment.
The ongoing dispute underscores the challenges faced by Waqf authorities in managing and protecting historical properties. With the legal relief now on offer, the issue will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
