Summary: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court decided on a case involving a leadership dispute in the Karaikudi Ikya Muslim Jamath, a group of nine Jamaths in Sivagangai District. The court addressed the ongoing conflict over the election of the Executive Committee.
In Karaikudi, the Ikya Muslim Jamath, which is a group of nine Jamaths, faced leadership issues after the previous Executive Committee's term ended in 2021. The conflict was mainly between two groups led by Janab A.K.M. Mohideen Pitchai and Janab M.A. Abdul Raheman. This led to multiple legal requests being filed.
On July 21, 2025, the court gave instructions in response to a request filed by A.C.R. Naseer and Abudi Bazeer. They wanted an official order to conduct elections for the Kattuthalaivasal Muslim Jama. The court directed the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board to create a plan under Section 69 of the Waqf Act, 1995.
“...there shall be a direction to the respondents 1 and 2 to frame a scheme under Section 69 of the Wakf Act, 1995...”
Elections were held on September 6-7, 2024, but arguments arose about the recognition of elected members. The Chief Executive Officer of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board approved an Executive Committee led by Janab A.K.M. Mohideen Pitchai on June 25, 2025, for a three-year term.
R.Ali Masthan challenged this decision, arguing that the elections were not conducted properly and that his role as Secretary was ignored. He filed a legal request to cancel the decision made on June 25, 2025.
On January 29, 2026, Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan delivered the judgment. The court recognized the internal disputes and directed that any complaints should be addressed to the Waqf Tribunal within a month.
“...the committee recognised by the Board as per the Letter dated 25.06.2025 shall for all purpose, deemed to be a committee appointed in exercise of power under section 63 of the Act.”
The court allowed the current committee to operate while appeals are pending. If the Tribunal cannot resolve the appeals in six months, the Board may take over the management.
This judgment aims to bring order to the management of the Karaikudi Ikya Muslim Jamath, allowing for a fair resolution through the Waqf Tribunal.
