Govt. yet to decide on constitution of State Waqf Board per new Central legislation

Hyderabad

With the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 now notified and protests against the legislation being planned in Hyderabad, the Telangana government is yet to take a decision on the future course of action as regards the constitution and further nomination of members of the Telangana State Waqf Board (TGSWB).

This comes at a time when the Muslim Joint Action Committee, which includes organisations such as Tehreek Muslim Shabban and Majlis Bachao Tehreek, along with other political leaders, and Osman Al Hajiri, a Congress leader who contested from Karwan Assembly constituency, and those associated with him, have announced plans to hold protests against the Act over the next few days.

“With the passing of the amendments, there are several big changes in the Act, especially in terms of the composition of the Board,” a senior Board official said. “The appointed date of the Act is April 8. Due to these changes, it seems the government will take some time before making a decision.”

According to those familiar with the developments, including members of the existing elected Board, the amended legislation stipulates that under Section 12, one member each from the Bohra and Aghakhani communities must be nominated to the Board.

“The number of members should not exceed 11. This poses certain challenges in terms of accommodating members per the act. Apart from the Bohra and Aghakhani members, as mandated by the Act, Sunni and Shia representatives must also be included, as should be a member from backward classes, meaning pasmandas,” a Board functionary familiar with the development said.

“Section 12 also includes a provision of one member from the mutawalli community. However, at present, there are two. Similarly, while the new Act allows one member from the Bar Council, there are currently two,” he added.

“One of the principal arguments during the run-up to the passing of the Bill was the inclusion of non-Muslim members,” the official said.

Another Board official noted that the terms of members representing Parliament and the State legislature expired last year. The government did not issue a notification to reconstitute these positions, and in light of the new legislation, it is yet to announce what course it intends to pursue.

While discussions are ongoing, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the amendments and seeking that they be set aside during the hearing. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, meanwhile, has stated that it will call upon the public to launch protests, and also approach the apex court to contest the new legislation.