Today, On 6th September, the Chief Justice of India acknowledged concerns about vacancies in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) raised by the Bengaluru Bar Association. He assured that the Supreme Court will address the issue and look into the unfilled positions. The ITAT, responsible for direct tax appeals, currently faces delays due to insufficient members.
The Central Government established an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal led by Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, a Delhi High Court Judge, to determine if there’s enough cause to continue classifying ‘Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)’ as an unlawful association. The Ministry of Home Affairs extended SFJ’s designation for another five years starting July 10, 2024.
The counsel for the Shahi Idgah managing committee argued in the Allahabad High Court today that the suit seeking the removal of the mosque is constrained by the statute of limitations. The Muslim side cited a compromise dating back to 1968, stating the suit filed in 2020 is beyond the three-year limit to challenge a compromise. The High Court set March 13 as the next hearing date. The case involves a dispute over Waqf property. The Waqf Act allows the Waqf Boards in India to claim unlimited powers over properties without recourse to legal challenge, raising questions in the context of a secular country. Waqf Board holds over 8,54,509 properties encompassing more than eight lakh acres of land, with powers to acquire and declare ownership without need for proof. The controversy surrounding the Waqf Act and the dispute over the mosque illustrates the complexities of religious property laws in India, provoking debate about the Act’s constitutionality.