Karnataka stops Waqf land transfers amid farmer complaints

The Karnataka government has halted the mutation process for properties allegedly transferred to the Waqf Board from private owners and farmers, issuing a stern warning to officials against continuing such activities or serving eviction notices. In a directive, Revenue Department Principal Secretary Rajender Kumar Kataria addressed regional and deputy commissioners in affected districts, emphasizing strict adherence to government policy in light of recent complaints about arbitrary property transfers favoring the Karnataka Board of Waqfs.

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The issue came to light following a series of complaints from farmers, prompting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to hold meetings in regions where such concerns were raised. During these discussions, it was decided that any prior instructions by government offices regarding mutation changes were revoked, along with the rescission of any notices issued to farmers in connection with these properties. The government underscored that farmers currently cultivating such lands would not face any action.

Kataria stressed that officials who continue to enforce previous directives, such as issuing reminder notices, would face disciplinary measures, reflecting the state’s commitment to resolving the matter. The Chief Minister’s directives followed a substantial influx of petitions—more than 500—from farmers in northern Karnataka districts, brought to the attention of the Chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagdambika Pal. The farmers alleged their lands were unjustly designated as Waqf properties, spurring the government to intervene.