Today, On 10th February, The Karnataka High Court questioned the Waqf Board’s power to issue marriage and divorce certificates. Last year, the Court put a hold on a 2023 Government Order that allowed the Waqf Board and its district officers to certify Muslim marriages. The Court is reviewing whether the board has the legal authority for this role. The issue raises concerns about jurisdiction and official recognition of such certificates.
The Karnataka High Court Today (Oct 16) issued notice to the State government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging a government order (GO) that authorises district Wakf boards to issue marriage certificates to married Muslim couples. Court directed the State to file its reply to the petition filed by one Alam Pasha by November 12. The petitioner told the Court that the Wakf Act, 1995, did not confer any statutory powers on Wakf boards to issue marriage certificates and, therefore, the State’s order issued in August last year was illegal.
