Places of Worship Act Does Not Bar Land Acquisition: Allahabad HC on Varanasi Redevelopment Project

The Allahabad High Court ruled that the Places of Worship Act, 1991, does not prevent the State from acquiring religious properties for secular public purposes. Dismissing a plea against Varanasi’s Dalmandi redevelopment, the Court upheld the government’s authority to undertake lawful public infrastructure projects.

Mere existence of Dargah does not make land a Waqf property, Waqf Board Has No Automatic Claim: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court held that the mere presence of a Dargah on land does not automatically place the property under the Waqf Board’s control. The Court ruled that the Board must first establish, in accordance with law, that the property is a valid Waqf before claiming jurisdiction.