The state Minority Welfare Department has sanctioned Rs 2.45 crore for the Islamic congregation in Vikarabad district.
Team Clarion
HYDERABAD – The Telangana High Court is grappling with the issue of allocation of funds for the upcoming Tablighi Jamaat Ijtama (congregation) in Zemath Nagar, Parigi Mandal, of the state’s Vikarabad district from January 6 to 8.
The court is dealing with an appeal filed by a Muslim activist of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mohammad Afsar Pasha, against the government’s release of 2.45 crore for the congregation. Originally designated for road and water development for the event by the Telangana government, the allocation sanctioned by the Telangana Minority Welfare Department has raked up a controversy in the state.
Pasha’s appeal contends that such allocations breach the Waqf Act. It argues that government funds earmarked for Waqf purposes should not be autonomously allocated to non-governmental organisations.
Justice Nagesh Bhima Paka has issued notices to the government, Chief Secretary of Minority Welfare Department, District Collector Vikarabad, officials, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of Telangana Waqf Board and Tablighi Jamaat.
The petitioner’s counsel has underscored the imperative of adhering to legal procedures and asserted that the government’s actions contravenes the Waqf Act. Respondents have been directed to submit their responses by January 23.
The court has also summoned Pasha of the BJP Minority Morcha, directing him to furnish a reply by January 23. An audio clip purportedly featuring Pasha, expressing objections to the fund allocation for the Tablighi Jamaat gathering, is widely being circulated on various social media platforms.
The petitioner also contended that Tablighi Jamaat had organised a similar congregation in January, 2020 in Nirmal, where communal violence broke out, leading to serious law and order issues in Bhainsa, Nirmal District.
The controversy revolves around the Telangana government’s allocation of funds for necessary facilities for the Islamic congregation. The petitioner has assured the court that withdrawal of the petition is imminent if the government ensures proper arrangements for the event.
