New Delhi: The Centre and the Wakf Board today submitted before the Delhi High Court that the ceremony by Jama Masjid Shahi Imam anointing his son as his deputy and successor has no legal sanctity.
The submission was made before a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw during arguments on three public interest litigations challenging the November 22 ceremony where Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid here Syed Ahmed Bukhari plans to anoint his son as Naib Imam who will be the next chief cleric.
The Board also told the court that it would be holding a meeting soon and action will be taken against Bukhari for what he has done.
The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta, and the Board made the submission in response to the court’s query as to what is the legal position on the issue.
The ASG also suggested that the ceremony can go on without having any legal sanctity but at any other place than the Jama Masjid.
The bench, after hearing arguments of the petitioners, Centre and the Board, said it will pass orders.
The court, during arguments, also queried as to whether the Jama Masjid was under the supervision of the Board and if yes, what has it been doing on the issue.
It also observed that if the Board was the competent authority, “let them inquire and take what steps need to be taken”.
While admitting that Jama Masjid is under its supervision, the Wakf Board said that the current Imam cannot on his own appoint his successor as the same would not have any legal sanctity without its ratification.
The Board also said that it is the ‘muttawalli’ of Jama Masjid and will be appointing a management committee for the same. It also said that the current Imam was appointed in 2000, but he was ratified as Imam only in 2006.
