High Court Rules Munambam Land is Not Waqf Property

Kochi: In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court Division Bench has declared that the land in Munambam is not Waqf property. This crucial observation overturns a previous decision by a Single Bench of the same court.

According to a deed from 1950, the land in question was originally a donation to Farook College. However, the Division Bench noted that the donation included a specific condition allowing for the reclamation of the land. This condition, the court observed, effectively meant the property could not be classified as Waqf property.

Previously, a Single Bench of the High Court had held the view that the Munambam land was indeed Waqf property, stipulating that any actions concerning it must adhere to Waqf law. The recent verdict by the Division Bench has now set aside this earlier stance.

This pivotal observation by the Division Bench came during an appeal filed by the State Government. The government’s appeal followed the Single Bench’s decision to remove Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair, who had been appointed by the government to inspect the Munambam land.

The High Court further clarified that the government retains the right to appoint a commission to inspect the land and proceed with necessary actions. This assertion was made alongside the momentous declaration that the Munambam land does not fall under the purview of Waqf property.

The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the administration and future use of the Munambam land, resolving a long-standing dispute over its legal classification.