Kerala Waqf Board reconstituted under Mayin Haji as High Court declines stay

Kerala High Court upholds administrative transition

The Kerala High Court has refused to stay the state government's order reconstituting the State Waqf Board under Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) state vice-president M.C. Mayin Haji.

During a special Saturday sitting, a single-judge Bench of Justice S. Manu declined an interim stay requested by former board chairman K.S. Hamsa. The court referred the petition to a Division Bench currently handling connected matters, clearing the path for the newly appointed nine-member board to take charge and ensure uninterrupted administration of community assets.

Governance actions and key appointments

Waqf Minister N. Samsudheen stated that the government exercised its legal authority to reconstitute the board in response to directions and observations from the High Court in pending litigation. The step aims to strengthen administrative oversight and ensure balanced governance.

Officials confirmed that appointments for two non-Muslim positions remain pending while the Supreme Court considers ongoing legal proceedings regarding Waqf legislative amendments.

Asset protection and dispute resolution

Following the court ruling, Mayin Haji and six other appointed members formally assumed office. Outlining his operational priorities, Mayin Haji emphasized that the board will focus on protecting community properties and promoting amicable resolution of internal disputes.

"Every measure will be taken to ensure that not a single property is lost," Mayin Haji said, noting that the board will review property records across the state to recover misplaced assets. On complex judicial matters such as the Munnambam land dispute, he clarified that tribunals and appellate courts hold final jurisdiction, while the board will uphold institutional compliance and legal norms.