Telangana High Court orders status quo on Waqf properties in Kodangal

Justice B Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court has ordered status quo on Waqf properties in Kodangal following the demolition of religious structures during a road-widening drive. The writ petition, filed by Irshad Ali Khan, argued that the action violated the Waqf Act and constitutional protections.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court on Friday ordered status quo to be maintained on Waqf properties in Kodangal, bringing temporary relief to the local Muslim community after the recent demolition of religious structures during a road widening drive.

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The order was passed in Writ Petition, filed by Irshad Ali Khan, who challenged the action of the Kodangal municipality.

Arguing for the petitioner, advocate Aashir Mehtab Khan submitted that the properties in question including three graveyards, an Ashoor Khana and a Dargah were notified Waqf lands, and that the demolition was carried out in violation of the Waqf Act and without following due legal procedure. He argued that the action amounted to an infringement of statutory protections as well as the constitutional rights of minorities.

After hearing the submissions, the Court directed the authorities to maintain status quo over the scheduled property and adjoining Waqf lands until further orders, restraining them from undertaking any further interference.

The demolitions sparked political tension in Vikarabad district, with protests led by BRS leaders against the municipal action. Former Kodangal MLA P. Narendar Reddy was detained by police while on his way to the site, and several party leaders were placed under house arrest.