Local Auqaf Committees have no legal effect now: Waqf Board

SRINAGAR — J&K Waqf Board has said that all local Auqaf Committees from now on will have no legal effect or standing in Jammu and Kashmir.

An order issued by Chief Executive Officer J&K Waqf Board on December 17 states that the Board has taken overall control of all shrines and other properties in Jammu and Kashmir and all the local Waqf or Auqaf Committees shall be deemed as void ab-initio throughout J&K.

“In Pursuance to Waqf Act, 1995 extended to Jammu & Kashmir (UT) with the constitution of new J&K Waqf Board has taken overall control of all the Shrines including other Assets/Properties under the Muslim Specified Waqf in whole UT of Jammu & Kashmir,” the order said.

It said that no association/self-styled local Auqaf Committee/Management has any legal standing under the provisions of the Central Waqf Act, 1995. No such Committee has any kind of registration of validation from the J&K Waqf Board.

“It is hereby notified that all the local Waqf/Auqaf Committees shall be deemed as void ab-initio throughout J&K & any kind of interference by such local Waqf Committees be reckoned illegal & to invite action under the law on all the Waqf Units managed by J&K Waqf Board,” it said.

“Therefore, all Government Departments & the general public are informed that any communication of any such local committee at any Waqf Unit may not be entertained. This order is issued to ensure a smooth, systematic, transparent & legally viable management system, at all the Waqf Units throughout Jammu and Kashmir,” it said.