Hyderabad: The recent constitution of the Wakf Board has raised many an eyebrow as the appointments of some of the members is contrary to the Wakf Act 1995, as amended by Act 27 of 2013.
“Syed Akbar Nizamuddin, who was elected under the Mutawalli category, doesn’t qualify for the post as the Wakf Act 47 clearly states that the accounts of Auqaf submitted to the Board under Section 46 shall be audited and examined in a sequential manner,” said Md. Ilyas Shamsi, who heads the Peace and Development forum.
He pointed out that there is an inquiry pending against the Mutawalli for alleged alienation of Wakf properties and misappropriation of funds. “How could the state government nominate him the post when he faces so many allegations and none of them have been cleared till now?” the social activist asked.
Another member, Malik Motasim Khan, was nominated under Section 14 (1) (c) (Eminent Muslim) of the Wakf Act, 1995. But the Wakf Act was amended in 2013 and the “eminent Muslim” clause was removed.
“Motasim Khan is a former government teacher. He also contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections against K. Kavitha. How can the government violate the Wakf Act by nominating him,” Mr Shamsi said.
Objections are also being raised against the nomination of Waheed Ahmed, an advocate. Mr Ahmed was nominated under Section 14 (1) (d) (Shia scholar). The Act says that under this category, a person should be a recognised scholar in Shia and Sunni Islamic theology. Dr Sofia Begum was nominated under Section 14(1) (woman member).
“In both these cases, the Wakf Act is clearly violated as Waheed Ahmed is not a recognised scholar and doesn’t have any idea about Islamic theology. Sofia Begum was nominated under Section 14(1) which does not specify any category,” said M.A. Samad, a Wakf activist.
“There is no sub-clause under Section 14(1); thus there is no clarity under which category will she function,” said Mr Samad.
He said, “The Wakf Act says that two women should be nominated in the entire team but only one woman found her place and that too without proper category.”
When contacted, Syed Omer Jaleel, minority welfare department secretary and the election authority for Wakf Board said, “I have issued orders as per the decision of higher authorities. I don’t have any say in this matter because the appointments were done by the government.”
