VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an order withdrawing its earlier directions on the constitution of a state Waqf Board.
It was stated in the government order, dated November 30, that the decision was taken in view of the prolonged non-functioning of the board following a stay on the election of its chairperson.
The chief executive officer (CEO) of the Waqf Board brought the issue to the attention of the govt, and a decision was taken to resolve the litigation and prevent an administrative vacuum, the order said.
On Oct 21, 2023, Shaik Khaja, Mutawalli, MLA Hafeej Khan, and MLC Ruhullah were elected as members, while eight others were nominated as members of the Waqf Board.
However, the election of Shaik Khaja and the legality of GO 47, issued constituting the Waqf Board, were challenged before the high court in multiple writ petitions.
Considering the petitions filed challenging the GO and raising specific contentions against one of the elected members, the HC stayed the election of the chairperson.
The court also clarified that the election of the member would be subject to the final outcome of writ petitions. While the petitions were pending, the Waqf Board remained without a chairperson.