Taking cognisance of media reports, High Court halts property transfers and orders investigation
Jodhpur, Rajasthan – News reports emerged from Jodhpur indicating that government buildings for judges, schools, colleges, temples, and several other public and private properties were entered into official government documents as ‘Waqf Property’. Taking suo motu cognisance of these reports, the Rajasthan High Court registered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and initiated a hearing. A local newspaper report alleged that despite revenue records reflecting completely different information, several large properties were included in the Waqf Deed and registered as ‘Waqf Property’ on the ‘Umeed Portal’ website.
Court’s observation
Hearing the matter, the court noted that registering schools, temples, judges’ bungalows, and private properties in Waqf records, contrary to official revenue data, is a serious concern going far beyond individual ownership disputes.
Status Quo ordered
During the hearing, the court directed that status quo be maintained regarding the ownership rights and legal status of the properties falling under Khasra numbers 482, 485, and 490, as well as the properties mentioned in the news reports. Furthermore, the court stayed any mutation, transfer, leasing, licensing, construction, demolition, or any such action based on the disputed entries that could alter their physical or legal status.
Major properties listed as ‘Waqf Property’
Sohanlal Manihar School, Shah Govardhanlal Kabra College, Kabra Matrushri Kala Mandir, Agrawal Bagichi, Agrawal Mahavir Temple, Satguru Kabir Ashram, Gaurishwar Mahadev Temple, Maru Lohar Sikligar Temple, Junagadh Gyati Bagichi, two Gyati Bhavans, Gita Bhavan, and the official residences of sitting Rajasthan High Court Judge Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur and former Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Prakash Tatia.
