Kerala HC grants State two weeks to respond to charges against Waqf Board in PIL by BJP’s Shone George

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The PIL has sought the nomination of two non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board and to halt its functioning till such an order is passed. | Photo Credit: RK Nithin

The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted the State two weeks to respond to allegations of statutory violations in the Kerala State Waqf Board in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by BJP leader Shone George.

Mr. George had alleged that the Waqf Board was functioning in violation of the mandates under the United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1955. All 9 out of 11 members are Muslims, without any mention of the other two members which affects the requirement of diversity as per law, the petitioner said. The Act was amended in 2025, reforming the management of Waqf properties in India.

The Waqf Amendment Act mandates that at least two members of the Board, excluding ex-officio members, must be non-Muslims in order to ensure secular oversight, professional diversity, and financial accountability in administration, he said.

The PIL sought the nomination of two non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board and to halt the functioning of the board till such an order is passed.