NEW DELHI: More than three years after the tenure of the elected Delhi Waqf Board ended in August 2023, the statutory body responsible for protecting and managing Waqf properties in the national capital remains without a duly constituted board. What was initially a temporary administrative arrangement has turned into a prolonged vacuum, marked by changing administrators, disruptions in day-to-day functioning and continuing legal battles.
The recent intervention came in September 2026, when the Delhi High Court sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a petition seeking the constitution of a fresh board. Justice Anish Dayal, in an order dated September 8, granted the authorities four weeks to file their replies. The matter is listed for further hearing on December 10. The petition argued that the continued absence of a board violates the statutory obligation to constitute one under the Waqf Act, as amended in 2025.
The crisis began on August 26, 2023, when the tenure of the board chaired by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan ended. Khan had led the board since November 2020, following earlier stints as chairperson. No new elected body was constituted after the expiry of its tenure. On January 10, 2024, the Delhi government appointed senior IAS officer Ashwani Kumar, then Principal Secretary (Home), as administrator until the board was reconstituted. However, the arrangement continued without a new board being constituted.
The absence of a functioning governing body also affected administrative operations. In July 2024, the HC dealt with a petition filed by the board’s employees’ association seeking the release of outstanding salaries and timely payment of wages. The dispute highlighted the difficulties confronting employees and other beneficiaries dependent on the institution.
The situation became more complicated in January 2025, when then Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the appointment of Azimul Haque as chief executive officer in additional charge. The post had reportedly remained vacant since November 28, 2024, with the delay affecting routine operations, including payments to imams and mutawallis, or custodians of Waqf properties.
Leadership crisis
Delhi HC seeks Centre, govt replies on fresh board
Court grants four weeks to file replies; hearing Dec 10
AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan chaired the board until Aug ’23
Ashwani Kumar was appointed administrator on Jan 10, 2024
Employees sought outstanding salaries and timely payment
Azimul Haque appointed CEO in additional charge in Jan 2025
Waqf land disputes involve Shahi Idgah, Bhure Shah Dargah
Vacant CEO post reportedly affected payments to imams and mutawallis