Kerala Waqf Board reconstituted with IUML leader Mayin Haji as chairman

The Kerala Waqf Board was reconstituted by the state government through an order issued on Friday, October 16, with IUML state vice-president M C Mayin Haji appointed chairman. Officials said the new panel has nine members and replaces the board constituted by the previous LDF government in March.

The outgoing board, led by K S Hamsa, was dissolved less than seven months after its formation. More than four years remained in its term, according to reports.

Mayin Haji has previously served on the board. Tirur MLA Kurukkoli Moideen is among the new members and has been included as the representative of legislators.

Composition remains subject to legal disputes

The Kerala Waqf Board changes come while challenges to the government's reconstitution plans remain before the Kerala High Court. Hamsa and board member A A Rahim had approached the court over the proposed changes.

The government order refers to proceedings pending in the High Court and Supreme Court. It says the changes followed a High Court direction to resolve issues concerning the board's composition.

Officials linked the two unfilled non-Muslim membership positions envisaged by the amended law to the pending final decision of the Supreme Court. The legal proceedings also raised concerns about representation for Shias, Bohras and Aghakhanis.

The new panel includes representation from the Mujahid faction. Reports said it has no representative from the Sunni faction led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar or from the Samastha organisation led by Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal.

The High Court had earlier explained that its directions were meant to keep the board functioning. It said disputes arising from reconstitution could be taken to the appropriate authorities and directed the state to file an affidavit within a week.

Officials said the new board's first meeting was expected soon. The reconstitution comes amid protests over amendments to the central Waqf law and disputes concerning the management and protection of Waqf properties.

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