Telangana HC suspends order removing Telangana Waqf Board CEO.

A single-judge bench of the Telangana High Court had earlier ordered the removal of the Waqf Board CEO, citing his ineligibility for the position due to not holding the deputy secretary cadre.

Telangana HC Suspends Removal Order, Allows Waqf Board CEO to Continue

Hyderabad: In a significant ruling on Friday, February 14, the Telangana High Court permitted Telangana Waqf Board CEO Md Asadullah to continue in his position, suspending an earlier order for his removal.

Previously, Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka had directed Asadullah’s removal following a petition that challenged his eligibility, stating he was not of deputy secretary cadre. The order had also instructed Liyakhat Hussain to serve as the in-charge CEO.

Challenging this decision, the Telangana government argued that Asadullah was instrumental in protecting Waqf land from encroachment and sought his continuation in office. The case was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili and Justice Tirumala Devi Eada.

The government contended that a special grade deputy collector (SGDC), like Asadullah, belongs to the state civil services and performs executive duties, unlike a deputy secretary, whose role is primarily desk-based and ministerial. Additionally, the SGDC functions as an additional collector.

The bench ruled that a single judge cannot issue a removal order in a contempt case and, therefore, suspended the previous ruling, allowing Asadullah to retain his position as Waqf Board CEO.