The unfolding land dispute in Kattukollai village of Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over Waqf land claims and residents’ land rights. What began as a legal notice to a few individuals has now grown into a matter of significant social, legal, and political concern. The controversy arose after nearly 150 families in the village received eviction notices from Syed Satham, the caretaker of a local dargah, who claimed the land is part of a Waqf property registered since 1954.
According to Satham, the land falls under Waqf jurisdiction based on historical records, and he now intends to regularize its use by collecting rent from all occupants. His justification hinges on the claim that his father, who previously managed the dargah, did not enforce the Waqf Board’s rights due to a lack of education and legal awareness. Satham, however, asserts he will take all legal steps necessary to correct this lapse, even going so far as to warn that the matter will be escalated to the High Court if villagers fail to respond to upcoming notices.
The villagers, meanwhile, maintain they have lived on this land for multiple generations—some families tracing their settlement back over 70 years. Many of them hold government-issued documents such as electricity bills, voter IDs, panchayat tax receipts, and ration cards, which they claim validate their right to the land. They are dismayed that, after decades of peaceful habitation and infrastructural development, their claim is being challenged without prior warning or official engagement.
Congress MLA Hasan Maulana attempted to mediate the situation by assuring villagers that they would not be forcibly evicted. He emphasized that no final decision would be taken without proper investigation and supporting documentation. However, his remark—“Once a Waqf, always a Waqf”—has raised concerns among some residents and opposition groups, who see it as a potential indicator that the authorities may lean toward validating the Waqf Board’s claims.
This controversy echoes a similar incident in Tiruchendurai village in Trichy district, where local residents were also served with notices that declared their land as Waqf property. Both cases have sparked concern across Tamil Nadu, prompting calls for clarity on land ownership and better public access to Waqf Board records.
Civil society groups and political parties have begun weighing in. The Hindu Munnani, represented by Divisional Secretary Praveen Kumar, has urged the government to issue pattas (legal ownership documents) to the villagers to prevent displacement and ensure legal security. He argued that the state government should take urgent steps to defend the rights of long-term residents and push back against what he described as opaque and unilateral claims by Waqf authorities.
Residents have also approached the Vellore District Collector, who has reportedly advised them not to pay any rent until the legitimacy of the claims is fully verified. The Collector has promised a fair and thorough review of all related documentation and land records.
Legal experts point out that under the Waqf Act, private individuals cannot alien, sell, or claim any property legally registered as Waqf. However, the onus lies on the Waqf Board or claimants to prove that such a registration exists and was done following due process. Any discrepancies, gaps in documentation, or prolonged lack of enforcement could weaken the Waqf claim in court.
Moreover, land records in Tamil Nadu, like in many parts of India, are often complex and riddled with overlaps and inconsistencies. Government surveys conducted decades ago may not always match modern records, which leaves room for disputes when older claims resurface.
The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the governance of Waqf properties in India. Critics have called for more transparency in Waqf land records, regular audits, and public notifications when such lands are identified or reclaimed. Some have even urged for the creation of a dedicated tribunal to mediate Waqf-related disputes in a time-bound manner, instead of lengthy and expensive court battles that place enormous stress on affected communities.
For the people of Kattukollai, however, the issue is deeply personal. Many are daily wage earners, small business owners, and farmers who say they cannot afford to pay rent or enter into lengthy legal battles. Their primary concern is stability—keeping their homes, protecting their children’s future, and maintaining their sense of belonging in a place they’ve called home for generations.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on how the Tamil Nadu government, the judiciary, and the Waqf Board will respond—and whether this case will become a precedent for similar disputes across the state and country.
