Wakf Board stops issue of Talaq, Khula papers

Nampally: TS Wakf Board drew widespread criticism following a decision to stop issuing certificates of 'Talaq & Khula' in the wake of passing of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act 2019 by the Parliament. With news spreading across party lines, the Congress leaders reached Haj House demanding explanation from the Board.

Led by Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) Minorities Dept Chairman Shaik Abdullah Sohail and senior leader Osman Bin Mohammed Alhajiri, a delegation of Congress leaders on Monday met Wakf Board chairman Mohammed Saleem seeking an explanation over stoppage of issuing of 'Talaq' and 'Khula' certificates by the Board's Qazath Section.

In the representation, prepared by Osman Alhajiri, they complained that the Wakf Board has reportedly stopped issuing certificates of 'Talaq' and 'Khula' in the wake of passing of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act 2019 by the Parliament.

"Following publication of news in an Urdu daily that TS Wakf Board has stopped issuing certificates we inquired with the officials of the Board for which they acknowledged. The decision of Wakf Board is shocking and it will create unnecessary chaos within the community," they said in the representation.

"The Act does not prevent Wakf Board or any other authority from issuing Talaq or Khula certificates on attaining the absolute status of revocable or single Talaq. Neither Union Government nor State Government has issued any directions to the State Wakf Board in this regard," they said.

Abdullah Sohail urged the Wakf Board Chairman to issue necessary instructions to the officials of Qazath Section to restore issuing of certificates. Else, he warned that legal action would be initiated against the Wakf Board's decision.

The leaders requested the Wakf Board chairman Mohammed Saleem to issue necessary instructions to the officials of the Qazath Section to resume issuing the certificates pertaining to Talaq and Khula immediately. Responding to the representation, Saleem assured that he would review the matter and issue necessary clarification in this regard.