Karnataka Wakf Board Elections Marred by Allegations of Manipulated Electoral Rolls

High Court Petition Exposes Procedural Anomalies in Wakf Board Election Processes

Bengaluru: Six petitioners have submitted a writ to the Karnataka High Court, alleging severe procedural violations in the Mutawalli electoral roll revision for the Karnataka State Wakf Board elections. The complaint accuses authorities of arbitrary inclusions and exclusions in the voter list, violating the Wakf Rules, 2017, and court directives.

The revised list, published hastily after an earlier court order, slashed eligible voters in Bengaluru Urban from 92 to 51 while inexplicably inflating Belagavi's voters from 16 to 59. Petitioners argue that these changes reflect clear favoritism and question the credibility of the selection process.

The procedural lapses cited include the absence of a preliminary voter list and lack of opportunity for objections, leaving many affected parties disenfranchised. Petitioners also allege that over 31,000 Wakf institutions were excluded from eligibility under dubious income criteria, raising further questions about the fairness of the process.

Adding to the irregularities, election schedules and returning officer appointments were announced simultaneously with the voter list, leading to suspicions of intent. The petition seeks nullification of the current electoral roll and any elections conducted based on it, alongside demands for a transparent, law-compliant voter list.

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Quotes:

1. Petitioner’s Counsel: “The revised voter list is not just non-compliant with the law; it reflects an outright disregard for fairness and transparency in Wakf Board governance.”
2. Independent Analyst: “This case is emblematic of the urgent need for institutional reforms to safeguard the integrity of Wakf elections in Karnataka.”