Telangana Waqf Board Ordered to Review Legal Cell Over Land Dispute Lapses

The Minorities Welfare Department has directed the Telangana Waqf Board in Hyderabad to conduct an official review of its legal cell following allegations regarding its handling of property litigation and land disputes. The department issued this directive after Waqf Board member Syed Bandagi Badesha Quadri submitted a representation raising concerns about the board's legal operations.

The department has instructed the board to investigate the functioning of its legal cell and submit a report on the allegations. Additionally, the department has ordered the Waqf Board to ensure the proper filing of counter-affidavits in respective courts to safeguard its properties.

In his representation, Quadri stated that the Waqf Board has been facing setbacks in various court cases concerning land disputes. He attributed these legal losses to a lack of evidence presented by the board's legal representatives during litigation.

Furthermore, Quadri urged the board to give special attention to obtaining Occupancy Right Certificates (ORCs) in the name of the Waqf Board itself.

According to Quadri, revenue records concerning Waqf properties must list the name of the respective Waqf institution rather than individual names. However, he pointed out that the revenue department has been issuing ORCs in the names of individuals instead of the Waqf Board, leading to further complications in property ownership.

The review ordered by the Minorities Welfare Department aims to address these structural issues within the legal cell and prevent future setbacks in ongoing land dispute cases.