Seven cases linked to valuable Waqf land under Dargah Shah Raju Qattal Hussaini are listed for hearing, but the absence of response raises fear of a legal setback
HYDERABAD — Serious concerns have been raised over the role of the Telangana Waqf Board after it failed to submit replies in important cases related to more than 1,300 acres of Waqf land attached to the Dargah of Hazrat Syed Shah Raju Qattal Hussaini.
According to available information, over 80 cases linked to this land are pending before the Telangana High Court. Out of these, seven cases are scheduled for hearing this week before different benches. However, despite the importance of these matters, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Waqf Board has not filed any reply.
Legal experts have warned that such inaction may weaken the board’s position in court. “If no reply is filed, the court may proceed in favour of the petitioner. This can lead to serious loss of Waqf property,” a legal expert said on condition of anonymity.
The land in question, located in Maheshwaram mandal, is considered highly valuable and runs into crores of rupees. In the Kongara Khurd case, several private claimants have approached the court seeking to declare the Waqf gazette notification invalid and to establish control over the land.
Observers say the silence of the Waqf Board in these cases is raising serious doubts. It is pointed out that if the board submits earlier court orders, including those given in Writ Appeal No. 1480 of 2009 by the then Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice N V Shravan Kumar, the land could be legally protected.
Legal professionals have reportedly written several letters to the Waqf Board’s CEO, urging immediate action and submission of replies. However, no visible steps have been taken so far.
The disputed land was officially declared Waqf property in February 2007, when the then Andhra Pradesh government issued a gazette notification after examining all relevant documents. The property was subsequently handed over to the Waqf Board.
Officials familiar with the matter say, “All records proving the Waqf status of this land were verified before the gazette notification was issued. The documents still exist with the board.”
Despite this, there are growing fears that attempts are being made to cancel the gazette notification through court orders. Multiple petitions have been filed in the high court, and in some cases, interim relief has reportedly been granted, allowing gradual control of the land to shift to private parties.
It is also alleged that even the standing counsel of the Waqf Board has not been provided with proper documents or clear instructions to argue the cases effectively. “Without documents and direction, how can any lawyer defend such an important matter?” another legal observer questioned.
In the Kongara Khurd case, the Telangana High Court’s division bench had earlier stayed a single judge’s order that cancelled the gazette notification. The court had directed that such disputes should be taken to the Waqf Tribunal. Experts say this order can still help protect the land if properly presented.
Meanwhile, criticism is growing over what is being described as negligence and lack of responsibility by the Waqf Board. Some voices have alleged that there may be attempts, under political influence, to allow commercial ventures on the land.
Reports suggest that applications are being submitted to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to approve layouts on these lands. It is also alleged that delays in responding to official communications are being used to present these ventures as approved projects and sell plots to buyers.
It is important to note that several survey numbers in this area were earlier listed as “prohibited lands” by the previous government. However, recent court interventions are said to be removing these lands from the restricted category.
A community representative said, “If timely action is not taken, a huge Waqf property may be lost. This is not just the question of land, it is part of religious and community trust.”
The situation has now become a matter of serious public concern, with many calling for immediate intervention to protect the property and ensure accountability within the Waqf Board.
The outcome of this week’s hearings is expected to be crucial in determining the future of this valuable Waqf land.
