Mohammedan Education Society of Kolhapur, which is popularly known as the Muslim Boarding, was established by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj in 1906. It was on June 23 that the Waqf Board had issued orders to the trustee of the society in which they stated that the Waqf Board has found that the Society’s property belongs to them. The Waqf Board laid claim over the society after they scrutinised the papers of the society.
Waqf Board Issues Orders to Trustee of Mohammedan Education Society
The Muslim Boarding was previously registered under the state charity commissioner. However, the Waqf Board issued a registration certificate and registration number to the Muslim Boarding. According to the reports in the media, Waqf’s chief executive officer M B Tashildar stated that he was convinced that in actuality properties under the Mohamedan Education Society were those of the Waqf Board and it needs to be governed according to the Waqf Act 1995. He further spoke about the evidence which comprises the charters which were issued by Shahu Maharaj. Severe restrictions are imposed on the acquisition and sale of Waqf Properties.
Waqf Board Seeks Documents from Mohammedan Education Society
The Waqf Board has written a letter to the trustees of the Muslim Boarding in which they have sought financial documents from the Muslim Boarding trustees as well as other important papers. The Waqf Board has also said that they have also informed the office of charity commissioner about the change in the registration and the board has claimed right over the property.
Society’s Chairman says they have not received any notice from Waqf Board
Adil Faras, the vice-chairman of the society stated that according to the natural law, first and foremost the Waqf Board should have sent a notice to the society about the change that has been made. He further added that the society has not received any notice from the Waqf Board.
Moreover, the office-bearers of Mohamedan Education Society are of the view that the institute does not fall under the Waqf Board and further stated that since Shahu Maharaj had set up the institute for academic purposes, it should be kept independent. Also, the properties of the Waqf are mostly those that are donated. The day to day affairs of the society are carried out by the panel which is headed by the chairman. The educational and the religious activities are controlled by the society. The members of the society are of the view that they refrain from registering with the WAQF board owing to stringent rules and regulations that are followed by the WAQF Board.
Waqf Board are third largest owners of land in the country
The waqf board has emerged as the third largest owner of land in the country and the Waqf owners are often described as India’s largest rich landlords. Meanwhile, Waqf is a type of charitable endowment in Islamic law where the ownership of property is transferred to Allah and the property is permanently used for religious or charitable purposes. Meanwhile, Waqf properties are managed by a waqf board, which takes all possible steps to ensure that the income generated by the property is used in accordance with the wishes of the waqif and Islamic principles.
