Kerala Government Reconstitutes State Waqf Board
In a major administrative reshuffle in Kerala, the UDF government has dissolved the existing state Waqf Board and constituted a new nine-member committee. Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader M.C. Mayin Haji has been appointed as the new chairman of the board. This political development has drawn significant attention as the previous board still had over four and a half years remaining in its tenure.
According to official sources, the order to dissolve the previous board headed by K.S. Hamza was issued on Friday. The previous panel was formed in March earlier this year by the preceding Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Replacing a board within seven months of its inception has sparked fresh political debates across the state.
High Court Rejects Plea to Stay Reconstitution
The government's decision to abruptly dissolve the Waqf Board was challenged in the Kerala High Court by former chairman K.S. Hamza. Defending its move during a special hearing, the state government argued that the reconstitution was necessary as several members of the previous board failed to meet the prescribed qualification criteria. Court-imposed restrictions on policy decisions had also hampered the board's functioning.
Hearing the matter, a bench led by Justice S. Manu refused to stay the government's decision, noting that there were insufficient legal grounds to halt the reconstitution at this stage. However, the court referred the matter to the division bench already hearing related petitions, providing immediate relief to the newly formed administration.
Profile of M.C. Mayin Haji and New Committee Structure
Newly appointed chairman M.C. Mayin Haji is a seasoned IUML leader and state vice-president who has previously served as a member of the Waqf Board. His extensive administrative experience is expected to streamline board operations and ease tensions between the political leadership and various Muslim organizations.
Apart from Haji, IUML MLA Kurukkoli Moideen has been inducted as a member alongside other appointees including Mustafa Faizi, Siras D. Capsi, Todiyoor Mohammed Kunju Moulivi, Sajana Firoz, Jassim Sabah, Dr. Abdul Majeed, and Salahi Madina Begum.
Pending Appointments for Non-Muslim Members
Despite the formation of the new board, two positions remain vacant due to statutory provisions requiring the inclusion of two non-Muslim members under the amended legal framework. The state government has decided to await further directives and orders from the Supreme Court before finalizing these two appointments, ensuring full compliance with upcoming judicial rulings.
