The Syro Malabar Church, a prominent Catholic division in Kerala, has raised alarms over what it describes as an ongoing land grab by the Waqf Board. The Church filed a formal complaint with the Lok Sabha Secretariat on August 10, highlighting the plight of around 600 families in Cherai and Munambam villages in Ernakulam district. These families, mostly belonging to the local fishermen community, are reportedly facing the threat of eviction from their homes and lands due to claims made by the Waqf Board.
The Church’s complaint urges the inclusion of provisions in the Waqf Board Amendment Bill to protect these families from losing their properties, a matter that has escalated into a legal battle. The Syro Malabar Church’s stance can be seen as a general endorsement of the proposed Waqf Board Amendment Bill, viewing it as a potential solution to safeguard communities from what they deem unreasonable claims.
Historical Background and Dispute
The controversy surrounding the land dates back centuries, with the roots of ownership stretching as far back as 1865. During that period, King Ayilyam Tirunal granted Pandara Pattam (a royal lease equivalent to a title deed) to the locals through Diwan T Madhava Rao. The land was originally entrusted to Haji Moosa Sait, with the condition that it be used for agricultural purposes. Over the years, ownership shifted hands, eventually landing with Farooq College in 1959, after Siddiq Sait, Haji Moosa Sait’s successor, passed the property to the institution.
The native fishermen families claim that between 1989 and 1990, their ancestors legally purchased the land from Farooq College by paying the price demanded by the college. They have since held onto the land, constructing homes and living there for decades without dispute.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn in 2019, when the Waqf Board claimed that 404 acres of the land in question belonged to them. The Waqf Board’s assertion led to legal challenges, and by 2022, the local villagers received formal eviction notices through the Village Office. According to the Waqf Board, the land was sold illegally by a Power of Attorney holder, who had accepted money and transferred the property, despite the board’s claim that it still owned the land.
Legal Battle and Public Outcry
The dispute is currently being fought in court, with the local fishermen families determined to retain their homes. The Syro Malabar Church’s complaint reflects the broader concerns of the community, which feels increasingly vulnerable to the Waqf Board’s claims. The case has highlighted the complexities of land ownership laws in Kerala and has sparked significant debate over the authority and reach of the Waqf Board in such matters.
Many believe that the ongoing controversy validates the Union Government’s proposed amendments to the Waqf Board Act, which aim to address ambiguities and prevent future disputes. There is a growing belief that reform of the current Waqf laws is necessary to ensure a more balanced and fair process, protecting vulnerable communities from unjust land grabs.
As the legal proceedings continue, the affected families, with the support of the Syro Malabar Church, remain hopeful that the legislative reforms will bring justice and provide a lasting resolution to their plight.
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