Maharashtra farmers face land dispute as Waqf Board stakes claim on 300 acres

Latur farmers get notices from the Maharashtra Waqf Board over land

More than 100 farmers from Maharashtra’s Latur district have come forward claiming that the Maharashtra Waqf Board is seeking ownership of 300 acres of farmland that they have cultivated for generations. Notices have been issued to 103 farmers, and the dispute has been taken to the Maharashtra State Waqf Tribunal in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Farmers’ stand on ancestral land

The affected farmers assert that the lands in question were inherited from their ancestors and have never been designated as Waqf properties. “These lands have been passed down to us through generations. These are not Waqf properties. We want the Maharashtra government to ensure justice for us,” farmer Tukaram Kanwate said.

The case has already seen two hearings in court, with the next scheduled for December 20. Farmers fear losing their primary source of livelihood if the tribunal rules against them.

Understanding Waqf claims

Under Islamic law, Waqf refers to properties donated or dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes. Such properties are managed by state Waqf boards and any disputes regarding ownership fall under the jurisdiction of Waqf tribunals.

However, the farmers in Latur argue that their lands have no historical or religious link to Waqf designations. They believe the claims are an overreach by the Waqf Board and have demanded intervention from the state government to protect their rights.

Broader context: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The controversy comes at a time when the central government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 8, aiming to streamline the functioning of Waqf Boards and improve the management of their properties.

The Bill, now referred to as a Joint Parliamentary Committee, seeks to address long-standing concerns over transparency and land disputes linked to Waqf properties. Critics have previously accused Waqf Boards of unilaterally claiming lands without adequate documentation or consultation with affected parties.

Previous land disputes and public backlash

This incident in Latur is not an isolated case. Several similar disputes involving the Waqf Board have surfaced across India in recent years:

• Karnataka: Farmers in Vijayapura district staged protests after the Waqf Board claimed 1,200 acres of farmland, resulting in significant public outrage and government intervention.
• Kerala: In Munambam and Taliparamba, religious and political groups protested Waqf claims on lands cultivated by families for decades, prompting calls for an independent review of Waqf records.

Awaiting resolution

As the legal battle in Maharashtra’s Waqf Tribunal unfolds, farmers continue to voice their concerns, urging the State and Central governments to ensure fairness and transparency. They fear that losing the disputed lands will devastate their livelihoods, impacting hundreds of families dependent on agriculture.

The case has ignited renewed discussions on balancing religious land management with the rights of individuals, as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill remains under legislative review.

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