Minister TN said WAQF Tribunal was established

SM NASAR. File | Picture source: M. Vedhan

The Tamil Nadu government is establishing a WAQF tribunal in Madurai to benefit people in the southern part of the state.

On the House of Representatives’ question, the minister said that 13 positions were created in March this year at the WAQF Tribunal in Madurai and responded to the inquiry from Papanasam MLA MLA MH Jawahirullah.

As for Mr. Jawahirullah’s request to establish a court in Coimbatore and Tiruchi, the Minister said that if it is found to be necessary, the Chief Minister would be consulted in this regard.

Under Article 83 of the WAQF Act of 1995, the Tamil Nadu government formed the Tamil Nadu WAQF Tribunal in 2018 to determine any disputes related to the WAQF or WAQF Properties.

The court is chaired by a magistrate, an official of the state civil servant, equivalent to the rank of another local magistrate judge, as a member, and a person with knowledge of Muslim law and jurisprudence.

Another question from Mr Jawahirara is whether the state government will step up and send a Pattas to Dagas, Mosques and Madrasas about WAQF Properties, the minister said the income secretary has sought comments from the Director of Land Management and the Director of Investigation and Reconciliation in this regard.

Mr Jawahirullah also requested a long-term lease for unused WAQF property so that educational institutions or hospitals could be established there. He noted that although the board can only offer a three-year lease, the government can issue a long-term lease.

“If an application for long-term lease of WAQF property is sought, it will be considered and, in accordance with its eligibility, long-term leases will be approved in accordance with relevant rules. The issue will be notified by the Chief Minister and he will be consulted for further action.”