UP Waqf Board claims ownership of 115-year-old Varanasi college, sparking controversy

A significant property dispute has surfaced in Varanasi after the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board asserted ownership over Harish Chandra Post Graduate College, a 115-year-old institution with a legacy deeply intertwined with educational and social reform in the region. The board's claim, based on records allegedly dating back to 1910, has led to heated debates among stakeholders, including college authorities, alumni, and local political groups.

The college administration has strongly contested the Waqf Board's declaration, arguing that the institution has been operating as a private educational establishment since its inception and has no historical ties to Waqf properties. They emphasized that the claim undermines the institution’s independence and legacy, which includes educating generations of students across diverse disciplines. Legal representatives for the college are preparing to challenge the claim in court, with hearings expected to address the documentation and its validity.

This case has reignited discussions about the role of Waqf boards in managing properties and the legal framework that governs such disputes. Critics argue that the Waqf Act, which oversees the administration of properties listed under Waqf jurisdiction, often leads to ambiguities in property rights, as historical records are sometimes incomplete or open to interpretation. Proponents of the board’s move contend that if the claim is valid, it reflects a legitimate effort to reclaim community assets misappropriated or misused over the years.

Amidst this legal wrangling, political parties have weighed in, with some accusing the Waqf Board of overreach and others calling for a fair resolution that respects historical records and community interests. The debate has also extended to broader concerns about property rights, religious harmony, and the preservation of educational institutions.

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