In a startling case that has drawn judicial attention, a tenant in Delhi’s Shahdara area has allegedly sold a Waqf property illegally, prompting the Delhi High Court to intervene and seek responses from multiple authorities.
The case pertains to a 118-square yard Waqf property located on Main Babarpur Road in West Rohtash Nagar, managed by the Masjid Parao Wali Committee. According to the petition filed through advocate Wazih Shafiq, the property was originally leased to M/s Dayal Singh Inderjit Singh by the committee through its proprietor Dayal Singh. However, the tenant is now accused of unlawfully selling the property, which is owned by the Waqf and meant solely for religious and charitable use.
Taking serious note of the incident, Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju issued notices to the Delhi Police, the Delhi Waqf Board, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and both the alleged seller and buyer of the property. The Court has directed all parties to file their responses within two weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for May 14, 2025.
The petitioners stated that they first approached the Shahdara Station House Officer (SHO) with a complaint on January 13, 2025. A written complaint was also submitted to the SHO and the Waqf Board the following day, and on January 16, the matter was formally reported to the MCD. Despite this, the petition alleges that no substantive action has been taken by any authority so far.
During the court proceedings, representatives from the Delhi Police, MCD, and other departments assured the bench that steps would be taken in response to the complaints. Justice Ganju’s bench made it clear that the matter demands urgent attention due to the nature of the property and the apparent inaction by officials.
The management committee of Masjid Parao Wali has urged the Court to take stringent action against the unlawful sale. The petition emphasises the legal sanctity of Waqf properties, highlighting that they are endowments donated for religious and community purposes and are not to be sold or transferred under any circumstances.
