Jaipur: Rajasthan Waqf Board chairman Khanu Khan Budhwali Sunday urged mosque committees across the state to induct advocates into their management bodies, verify all property-related documents and strengthen legal preparedness, citing recent demolitions of mosques in Jaipur, Barmer and Jaisalmer. Budhwali alleged that authorities were ignoring valid records and issuing notices to Waqf properties in border districts on the grounds of security concerns.“The manner in which mosques have been demolished over the past month reveals the intent of the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt. In the name of national security, only mosques and madrassas are being targeted,” Budhwali alleged. He claimed that notices were issued to 11 mosques, dargahs and other Waqf properties in border districts and termed the action illegal. “There is a need for stronger legal preparedness to safeguard Waqf properties. Every mosque committee should ensure that all land records and ownership documents are verified and readily available,” he said.In the last few days, notices were also issued on properties in Jaipur, Tonk, Nagaur, Dausa and other districts, including century-old mosques and graveyards managed by local committees. Members of the community claim that many of these sites have existed for decades and are supported by revenue records, Waqf documents or other historical records.Budhwali further alleged that authorities were issuing notices with backdates and scheduling actions in a manner that left little time for affected parties to seek legal remedies. “In several cases, notices are being served with backdates, and the reasons for demolition are not clearly mentioned. Hearings and actions are often timed in a way that leaves very little opportunity to approach courts or obtain legal relief,” he alleged.The Waqf Board chairman also advised mosque committees to strengthen documentation and surveillance measures. He urged management committees to install CCTV cameras outside mosques and maintain proper records of all official visits and correspondence. “We have asked committees to install CCTV cameras outside mosques so that the movement of officials can be recorded. They should also maintain a dedicated letterbox and preserve all communications received from govt departments,” he said.Referring to alleged disputes over service of notices in other states, Budhwali claimed authorities sometimes contended that notices were delivered to individuals present outside religious premises. Budhwali announced that district-level committees were being constituted across Rajasthan to monitor legal matters and respond promptly to notices or actions affecting Waqf properties.The chairman, who was appointed during the previous Congress govt headed by Ashok Gehlot and holds a rank equivalent to a minister of state, alleged that political motives were behind the recent actions against religious properties. Budhwali announced that district-level committees were being constituted across Rajasthan to monitor legal matters and respond promptly to notices or actions affecting Waqf properties.His remarks come amid heightened political debate over Waqf properties and demolition drives in parts of Rajasthan. He appealed to mosque management committees, mutawallis and community leaders to remain vigilant and seek legal advice whenever notices are issued.“The best response is legal preparedness. We must ensure that every property has complete documentation and every committee has access to legal expertise,” he said.
