Waqf issue: Kerala govt appoints judicial panel to suggest solution

The Kerala government decided to appoint a judicial commission to study and suggest solutions for the vexed Waqf land issue at Munambam in Ernakulam district, where 600-odd occupants are on an agitation against eviction.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting convened by CM Pinarayi Vijayan. After the meeting, Law Minister P Rajeev told the media that no occupants of the land will be evicted. “We have examined all legal aspects of the issue. Legal rights of the occupants will be protected.  A judicial commission by  retired high court acting chief justice CN Ramachandran Nair will look into the issue to find a lasting solution for the issue. The commission will submit the report within three months,’’ he said.

Also Read | Waqf claim over 400 acres of land unleashes storm in Kerala, BJP’s Suresh Gopi says Parliament will pass Bill to ‘suppress this brutality’

Rajeev, who was flanked by Revenue Minister K Rajan and Minority Affairs Minister V Abdurahiman, said the most important decision is that occupants with valid documents will not be evicted.

Story continues below this ad

“The government has asked the State Waqf Board not to take any further action against the people, who currently possess the land. The board has agreed to the government in this regard. No further action will be taken on notices served to the occupants and the board will not serve any fresh notices’’ he said.

Also Read | House panel on waqf Bill violating rules, says AIMPLB

The minister said earlier the revenue department had taken a decision in favour of the people who possess the land, but the high court had stayed it.