Azimul Haque appointed interim CEO of Delhi Waqf Board amid row over Imams' salary dues

In a decisive step to address the prolonged operational stagnation of the Delhi Waqf Board, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved the appointment of Azimul Haque as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on an interim basis. This decision comes amid criticism from the Lt Governor, who accused the AAP government of negligence and failing to follow proper legal protocols.

The Lt Governor's Secretariat noted that the CEO position had been vacant since November 28, 2024, leading to significant disruptions in the Board’s functions.

The absence of leadership hindered essential activities, including the disbursement of salaries to Imams and Mutawallis, leaving the Board effectively paralysed.

Acknowledging the financial hardships faced by the clergy and Board staff due to these delays, LG Saxena approved Azimul Haque’s appointment but emphasised



that it must be formally ratified by the Board before taking effect.

The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of adhering to the procedures outlined in the Delhi Waqf Act of 1995. Under this law, the Board is required to recommend a panel of two candidates to the State Government for the CEO position, rather than proposing a single nominee, as was done in this case.

VK Saxena pointed out this procedural lapse, highlighting that the nomination process undertaken by the National Council for Communal Harmony (NCCSA) did not align with the established legal framework.

In his statement, the Lt Governor called for stricter compliance with the law in future appointments, emphasising the need for timely and legally sound actions to avoid further disruptions to the functioning of critical religious institutions like the Delhi Waqf Board.