In a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about property ownership and historical significance, the Modi government has issued a final notice to the Delhi Waqf Board to vacate 123 properties, including the iconic Jama Masjid located in Central Delhi. This development has drawn strong reactions from various quarters, with AAP MLA and Delhi Waqf Board Chairman Amanatullah Khan expressing his displeasure.
The properties in question were once under government ownership and were subsequently transferred to the Waqf Board during the tenure of the Manmohan Singh government. However, the Ministry of Urban Affairs has now decided to reclaim these properties, citing various reasons and demanding the submission of necessary documents from the Waqf Board to justify their retention.
The notice, sent by the Land and Development Office under the Union Urban Ministry, has asked the Delhi Waqf Board to provide compelling explanations for retaining ownership of the properties in question. The contentious move has reignited debates about historical preservation, property rights, and the role of religious institutions in property management.
Jama Masjid, one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, is among the properties facing potential eviction. The mosque, which has stood as a symbol of religious harmony and architectural grandeur for centuries, is at the center of the storm. The potential displacement of the Delhi Waqf Board from these properties, including the Jama Masjid, has evoked emotional responses from citizens and community leaders alike.
Delhi Waqf Board Chairman Amanatullah Khan, also an AAP MLA, expressed his strong dissent over the government’s decision. Khan called the notice an unjustified interference in the Board’s affairs and questioned the government’s motives behind the move. He further stated that the properties were legally transferred to the Board and have been managed responsibly.
As the controversy deepens, discussions are arising about the implications of such a move on the preservation of historical sites, religious freedom, and the relationship between religious institutions and the government. The fate of these properties, along with the historical and cultural significance they hold, remains uncertain as the Delhi Waqf Board prepares its response to the government’s notice.
The Modi government’s decision to issue a final notice to the Delhi Waqf Board has set the stage for a legal and public debate that will likely shape the future of these properties and potentially redefine the dynamics between religious institutions and the state. The move is in line with the Waqf Act, which governs the administration of waqf properties in India. Read more about the Waqf Act.
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