HYDERABAD: The state government claimed in the High Court on Thursday that it had seized Wakf Board’s records only for the purpose of digitisation and formation of an inventory. It added that the proposal to streamline records by forming a six-member official team was intended at protecting Wakf properties. The government also added that it had only sealed the records room and not the entire premises as alleged by the petitioner.
The submission, made by Telangana advocate general D Prakash Reddy, came in response to a PIL filed by advocate MAK Mukheed, who challenged the action of sealing and seizure of files and records. Prakash Reddy added that the proposed digitisation would be compelted in two weeks time and that steps were being taken, in consultation with Wakf Board officials, for smooth functioning of the office. Recently, the government also issued a memo to ensure that there no hurdles in the day-to-day functions, he noted. On the other hand, petitioner’s counsel AM Qureshi pointed out that the functioning of the Wakf office was badly affected due to the move.
After hearing both sides, the bench suggested the petitioner’s counsel to bring to the court notice if there were any hurdles in the day to day functioning of the Wakf board. It observed that the government’s intention to protect the Wakf properties from encroachments was a good sign. Public interest was involved in the present case and the court would act to protect the interests of the board. The properties which were encroached in Manikonda were of the Wakf, it reminded. The bench posted the matter to Tuesday.