Waqf Land Dispute Sparks Row in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills.

Defence vs Waqf: Congress-Influenced Telangana Waqf Board’s Land Allotment for Muslim Graveyard from Defence-Controlled Area in Hyderabad Sparks Row.

B Upendran | HENB | Hyderabad | Oct 8, 2025:: A contentious issue has emerged in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, where the Telangana Waqf Board’s decision to allot 2,500 square yards of land for a Muslim graveyard has sparked a heated debate. The land in question, located near Idgah and Chowkandi mosques in Shaikpet, is claimed by both the Waqf Board and Defence authorities.

Background of the Dispute

The Telangana Waqf Board had allotted the land to address the acute shortage of burial land for residents in several areas, including Borabanda, Yousufguda, and Jubilee Hills. However, Defence authorities have objected to the decision, stating that the land falls under their control. A senior military official asserted that the land, including the road, belongs to the Defence department, and there will be no expansion.

Waqf Board’s Stance

Waqf Board Chairman Azmatullah Hussaini clarified that the allotted land is officially notified as Waqf property. “The 2,500 square yards issued for the graveyard is gazetted Waqf land,” he said, adding that the military’s claim of ownership is unfounded. Hussaini emphasized that the Waqf Board owns around one acre and five gwa in the area, and only the gazetted portion has been allotted for the graveyard.

Waqf Board’s Power Play

The Waqf Board has been accused of overstepping its authority by claiming government land, including defence properties, as its own. This is not an isolated incident, as Waqf Boards across India have been involved in similar disputes. The Waqf Act, 1995, gives Waqf Boards significant powers to declare and manage properties, but critics argue that these powers are being misused.

Defence Land vs. Waqf Property

The Centre has maintained that no individual or institution can claim ownership over government land, even if declared waqf property. The Supreme Court has also upheld this stance, stating that government land belongs to the government, and nobody has the right to claim it . The present situation in Hyderabad now turns into a direct fight between Defence and Waqf.

Pending Supreme Court Case

The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, has been challenged in the Supreme Court, with petitioners arguing that it violates constitutional provisions. The case is ongoing, and the Supreme Court has not yet stayed the implementation of the Act. But such a Waqf exercise in Hyderabad definitely sends a message to the apex court, showcasing its challenging attitude.

Political Ramifications

The issue has taken a political turn, with BJP Telangana President Ramchander Rao accusing the Congress of appeasement politics. In contrast, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao pointed out that his party had already allotted 125 acres each for Muslim and Christian cemeteries in 2022, suggesting that the Congress’s move is politically motivated ahead of the Jubilee Hills bypoll.

Situation unfolds

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will resolve the dispute and address the needs of the local community. The issue of Waqf supremacy on government land, including defence properties, is a contentious one. While the Waqf Act, 1995, gives Waqf Boards significant powers, it is essential to ensure that these powers are not misused. The government and the Supreme Court must work together to resolve this issue and ensure that the rights of all stakeholders are protected.
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