MADURAI
The government’s decision to supersede Tamil Nadu Waqf Board and appoint IAS officer M.A. Siddique as Special Officer to manage its affairs has been challenged before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
However, during the course of the hearing on Monday, the State informed the court that Mr. Siddique would not take charge until further orders. Taking into account the submission, Justice M. Govindaraj adjourned the hearing till September 25.
Mr. Siddique was appointed as Special Officer after taking into account the fact that the total number of nominated members to Waqf Board exceeded the number of elected members. However, this decision was erroneous, said the petitioner, K.A.M. Muhammed Abubacker, a member of the Board.
In his petition, he said the Board should consist of a chairman and members elected from among the Members of Parliament, State legislature, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Muttawallis of the Waqf having an annual income of ₹1 lakh.
The nominated members should include one with professional experience in the fields of social work, agriculture, revenue, a recognised scholar and a State government officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary.
The petitioner said senior advocates M. Ajmal Khan and A. Sirajudeen were initially considered elected members, however, upon legal advice they were considered nominated members, which resulted in the total number of nominated members exceeding the number of elected members. This was done with a motive of getting rid of the senior advocates and others from the Board, he claimed.