MP High Court Overturns Waqf Board's Claim on Burhanpur Historical Monuments

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has overturned an MP Waqf Board order that claimed ownership of several historical monuments in Burhanpur. These sites, including the tombs of Shah Shuja and Nadir Shah, are protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. The court deemed the Waqf Board's claim as illegal.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has struck down an order by the MP Waqf Board that claimed ownership of notable historical monuments in Burhanpur district. This includes the tombs of Shah Shuja and Nadir Shah.

On July 19, 2013, the MP Waqf Board declared the Tomb of Shah Shuja, Tomb of Nadir Shah, Bibi Sahib's Masjid, and a palace in Burhanpur Fort as its property. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) contested this, arguing that these sites are protected by the central government under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.

On July 26, Justice GS Ahluwalia ruled that the monuments are indeed ancient and legally protected, thus negating the Waqf Board's claim. The court emphasized the importance of the ASI's role in conserving these historical assets for the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)