Snehal Upadhyay-
Published on: August 23, 2021, at 11:56 IST
The Madras High Court has ordered the State Government to supervise an inquiry into the allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds made on the Waqf societies across the state wherein it is contended that officials have alienated properties worth Rs 2,000 crore which belonged to the Waqf.
The Court has issued such directions while hearing a petition filed by M Ajmal Khan, President of Waqf Protection Forum.
Mr Khan has stated that there are several Waqfs in the state which authorizes movable and immovable properties intended of rendering religious and charitable activities.
The properties dedicated to the Waqfs and the manner in which they are used and controlled are looked after by the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board’s Chief Executive Officers. The Chief Executive officers are authorized to conduct inspections periodically and take inventory of the properties and maintain proper accounts of the proceeds of the properties.
The petition reads that “Two former CEOs, in collusion with the subordinate officers and staff have resorted to various acts of nepotism and malpractices whereby alienated valuable properties belonging to the Waqf by issuing No Objection Certificate for sale of such properties in favour of third parties.”
The petitioner has contended that the sale deeds have been made registered in favour of the third persons whereby valuable properties belonging to Waqf have been successfully alienated, whose market value will not be less than Rs.2,000 crores.
After hearing from the counsel, the Single Bench of Justice R Mahadevan stated that the allegations made are very serious and there must be an inquiry to be conducted which will be headed by the Principal Secretary of the minority welfare department and the Tamil Nadu Waqf board.