Waqf Land Rent Controversy has emerged as villagers in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, face eviction notices from the Waqf Board, which claims the land has been theirs since 1955. The board is demanding rent from the 60 families living there. In response, the villagers are seeking government help, emphasizing that they have resided on this land for generations and are determined to keep their homes.
The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed the situation where the Syed Ali Sultan Shah Dargah issued rent notices to 60 families in Kattukollai village, asserting that the land they occupy is Waqf property. This has sparked protests and calls for formal agreements regarding rent payments or vacating the land. According to F Syed Sadam, the administrator of the dargah, most of these families are joint families, totaling around 150 individuals, and they occupy approximately 5 acres of the 6.5 acres of Waqf land. The remaining portion has been leased to commercial entities that are paying rent.
In Tamil Nadu, villagers are facing eviction notices from the Waqf Board, which claims ownership of the land since 1955. The residents argue that their long-term residency should protect them from eviction, leading to significant tension and protests in the affected communities. Sadam clarified that the notice was issued recently because he assumed the role of hereditary mutawalli three years ago following his father’s passing, and is now carrying on his father’s work.
The issue became known when members of the Hindu Munnani brought the villagers to the district collector’s office to voice their concerns. This action highlighted the ongoing dispute over the land claims. Praveen Kumar, a member of Hindu Munnani, stated that the district administration has documents indicating the land is government-owned and expressed skepticism about the Waqf Board’s claims.
District Collector VR Subbulaxmi stated that six residents had discussions with her on April 11 and April 15 concerning the matter at hand. She mentioned that the district revenue officer is currently investigating the matter, which may take some time.
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