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Kerala Kaumudi Online
Friday, 14 February 2025 3.08 AM IST

Munambam land issue: Government can enact legislation, says Judicial Commission chairman Justice Ramachandran Nair

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KOCHI: Justice CN Ramachandran Nair said that the state government can enact legislation to overcome the obstacles in the Munambam Waqf land issue, as land-related matters fall under the state's jurisdiction. He is the designated chairman of the Munambam Judicial Commission. Speaking to Kerala Kaumudi, he said that the commission will provide statutory recommendations for protecting the rights of landowners in the Munambam Waqf land issue.

Q. Isn't the Munambam issue a very complicated one?
It is certainly a complicated issue. Reaching conclusions and proving them will be challenging. We will have to examine old records and conduct numerous hearings. The three-month deadline set by the government will not be enough. I have requested the Law Minister to promptly notify the matters under consideration. It would be appropriate to operate based in Kochi. The first step will be to examine who among the residents holds claims and in what manner. These could include ownership documents, title deeds and other documents. The commission will hear the arguments from the concerned parties, the government, and the Waqf Board. Disputes may also arise regarding hotels, resorts and shops in the area.

Q. How will the problem be solved?
The commission can identify and document ownership rights. However, the authority to officially declare that a property does not belong to the Waqf lies with either the court or the Waqf Tribunal. The commission can provide advisory recommendations for this purpose. It does not have the authority to intervene in matters pending in courts or those where judgments have already been delivered. Things won't be easy if it is found that the land belongs to the Waqf. The affected parties are disappointed that the previously appointed Nisar Commission did not achieve its intended objectives.

Q. How can the state enact legislation?

The state government can enact legislation in sync with the Waqf Act to resolve the land dispute. It can take action on this if necessary after the commission submits its report. The Waqf Board can also adopt a more liberal stance. However, the commission does not have the authority to make any recommendations to the central government.

TAGS: MUNAMBAM LAND ISSUE, MUNAMBAM WAQF LAND ISSUE, KERALA, JUDICIAL COMMISSION, JUSTICE RAMACHANDRAN NAIR
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