4 days ago
Telangana High Court Limits Forest Interference in Vikarabad Masjid Affairs
The Telangana High Court considered a disagreement involving a mosque and a forest department.
The mosque and madrasa are located at Ananthagiri Hills in Vikarabad district.
The mosque’s representative said forest officials were disturbing its activities.
He said the institution had been working there for many years.
The Forest Department denied trying to take control of the property unlawfully.
It said its job includes protecting reserved forests from encroachments and harmful activities.
The court told officials not to interfere with the institution unless they follow the law.
This means any future action must use the proper legal process.
The Telangana High Court directed forest officials not to interfere with the Sunni Masjid Osmania and Deeni Madarsa without following due process.
Justice Surepalli Nanda issued the order while disposing of a petition by mutawalli Mohammed Faiyaz Ali.
The petitioner said the institution had operated for years, providing prayers, religious education, and charitable activities.
The petition alleged forest officials interfered with the institution’s daily operations, including educational and recreational activities.
The Forest Department denied interference and said it must protect reserved forest areas from encroachments and environmental damage.
- Who
- The Telangana High Court, petitioner Mohammed Faiyaz Ali, the Sunni Masjid Osmania and Deeni Madarsa, and the Forest Department.
- What
- The court directed forest officials not to interfere with the institution’s possession, administration, management, or enjoyment without following due process of law.
- Where
- The institution is at Ananthagiri Hills in Vikarabad district, Telangana.
- When
- Justice Surepalli Nanda passed the order; the Forest Department’s written instructions were dated July 30, 2026.
- Why
- The petitioner alleged interference with the institution, while the Forest Department said it was protecting reserved forest land from encroachments and harmful activities.
Petitioner’s Position
Forest Department’s Position
Alleged interference
Petitioner’s Position
Mohammed Faiyaz Ali alleged that forest officials interfered with the institution’s day-to-day functioning, including educational and recreational activities.
Forest Department’s Position
The Forest Department said it had never interfered with the institution’s lawful possession or religious activities.
Property and authority
Petitioner’s Position
The petitioner said the institution had functioned for several years, was administered under the Waqf Act, 1995, and occupied approximately 14,000 square yards.
Forest Department’s Position
The department said it had not attempted to dispossess the petitioner except in accordance with law.
Forest protection
Petitioner’s Position
The petitioner sought protection for the institution’s peaceful possession, administration, management, and activities.
Forest Department’s Position
The department said it was legally obligated to prevent encroachments, unauthorised activities, debris dumping, waste disposal, and other conduct that could harm the forest ecosystem.
Key facts
- Court
- Telangana High Court
- Judge
- Justice Surepalli Nanda
- Petitioner
- Mohammed Faiyaz Ali, mutawalli of the religious institution
- Institution
- Sunni Masjid Osmania and Deeni Madarsa
- Property area
- Approximately 14,000 square yards
- Legal framework cited
- Waqf Act, 1995
- Forest Department document
- Written instructions from the Forest Range Officer, Vikarabad, dated July 30, 2026
Sources
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