Waqf tribunal being established in Madurai, says T.N. Minister
The Tamil Nadu government is taking steps to establish a Waqf tribunal in Madurai for the benefit of those in the southern districts of the State, Minister for Minorities and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare S.M. Nasar said in the Assembly on Tuesday (April 22, 2025).
A G.O. was issued in March this year to create 13 posts in the Waqf tribunal in Madurai, the Minister said during the Question Hour in the House, replying to a query by Papanasam MLA M.H. Jawahirullah.
As for Mr. Jawahirullah's request for setting up tribunals in Coimbatore and Tiruchi, the Minister said that if it was found to be a necessity, the Chief Minister would be consulted in this regard.
The Tamil Nadu government constituted Tamil Nadu Waqf Tribunal in 2018 for the determination of any disputes relating to Waqf or Waqf properties, as per Section 83 of the Waqf Act, 1995.
The tribunal consists of a district judge as chairman, an officer from the State Civil Services, equivalent in rank to that of the Additional District Magistrate, as a member, and one person with knowledge in Muslim law and jurisprudence as another member.
To another query by Mr. Jawahirullah, whether the State government would come forward to issue pattas to dargahs, mosques, and madrasaas on Waqf properties, the Minister said that the Revenue Secretary has sought for comments from the Commissioner of Land Administration and the Director of Survey and Settlement in this regard.
Mr. Jawahirullah also requested for a long-term lease for Waqf properties that have been lying unused, so that educational institutions or hospitals could be established there. Though the Board could provide lease for only three years, the government could issue long-term leases, he pointed out.
The Minister said: 'If applications seeking long-term leases of Waqf properties were made, they would be considered, and based on their eligibility, long-term leases would be granted under relevant rules. The issue would be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister and he would be consulted for further action.'
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