In yet another setback for the Aam Aadmi Party dispensation, lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung on Friday declared the reconstitution of Delhi Waqf Board as “illegal” and referred all board matters invol
In yet another setback for the Aam Aadmi Party dispensation, lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung on Friday declared the reconstitution of Delhi Waqf Board as “illegal” and referred all board matters involving alleged rule violations and corruption to the CBI for investigation. Mr Jung said that Mehboob Alam’s appointment as the CEO of the religious body was “illegal and void ab initio” in the absence of necessary approval from the competent authority. He dissolved the board, the term of which was to expire in December 2016.
“In view of the deliberate and persistent acts of illegality, violation of rules, allegations of corruption and possibility of mala fide intention, the whole matter related to the Delhi Waqf Board is referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation for investigation,” a statement from the L-G office said.
Later Friday evening, chief minister in a veiled attack at Mr Jung said several obstacles are being created for his government “because we are doing good work”. Mr Kejriwal made references to disbanding of Delhi Waqf Board by Mr Jung, summons issued to deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia by the ACB, and quashing last month of his government’s notification on circle rates of agriculture land by the L-G. “Ag land Circle rates declared void, manish summoned by ACB, waqf board disbanded-several obstacles being created only bcoz v doing gud work (sic),” he tweeted.
Special secretary (environment and forests) S.M. Ali has been given the additional charge of board chief executive officer.
Mr Jung ordered handing over of all powers and duties of the Waqf Board to the revenue secretary and asked the officer to initiate steps as per the extant acts and rules for its reconstitution.
