Munambam Waqf Dispute: A Long-standing Bittersweet Saga
Summary: The Munambam land dispute in Kerala, India, has been ongoing for decades, entangled in a complex web of waqf, sales, and occupations. The dispute has sparked controversy, with various parties vying for control, leaving hundreds of families uncertain about their future.
Introduction:
The Munambam Waqf Dispute: A Long-standing Dispute
The Munambam land, originally measuring 404.76 acres, has been eroded by the sea, reducing it to 135.11 acres. The land’s history dates back to 1950, when the Farook College received a gift from Siddique Sait. However, long-time occupants were already present, leading to legal battles between the college and residents.
The Story Behind the Dispute
- In the 1950s, the land was gifted to the Farook College by Siddique Sait.
- The land was already home to several people, who continued occupying the land, leading to legal battles between the college and residents.
- The college sold portions of the land to these occupants, but these sales failed to mention that the property was waqf land.
- In 2019, the Kerala Waqf Board registered the land as waqf property, making the earlier sales void.
- This triggered opposition from residents, who faced eviction.
The Kerala Government’s Role
In November 2024, the Kerala government appointed an inquiry commission, led by former High Court Judge, Justice CN Ramachandran Nair, to recommend solutions to the dispute. The commission’s formation was challenged before the High Court, with the State arguing it was a fact-finding body.
Recent Developments
During the High Court hearing on February 3, the State, represented by Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup, defended the commission’s formation, stating it was only a fact-finding commission to inform the government about the issues faced by the people on the Munambam land dispute.
Conclusion
The Munambam Waqf Dispute is a complex and contentious issue, entangling various parties and interests. As the dispute continues to unfold, the fate of hundreds of families remains uncertain. It is crucial to resolve this issue fairly, respecting the rights of all parties involved.
Keywords:
Munambam Waqf Dispute, Farook College, Kerala Waqf Board, sea erosion, land ownership, evictions, titles, sales, fact-finding commission, High Court hearing, Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup, Justice CN Ramachandran Nair
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