The Delhi High Court has mandated the convening of a meeting aimed at addressing the longstanding concern of unpaid salaries dating back to May 2022 for Imams, Muazzins, and Muftis employed at mosques under the purview of the Delhi Waqf Board.

Justice Sachin Datta has instructed the Chief Executive Officer or Administrator of the Delhi Waqf Board, along with the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department of the Delhi Government, to promptly arrange a meeting and address the matter concerning the disbursement of salaries.

The court emphasized that it anticipates and urges the necessary decisions to be made promptly to resolve the issue within a week from the date of the order, as stated on February 19. Justice Datta was addressing a petition filed by several full-time imams, Moazzins, or Muftis employed by the Delhi Waqf Board, who were distressed by the lack of salary payments since May 2022 without any explanation.

The legal representative representing the Delhi Waqf Board informed the court that the Board had not yet received the necessary funds designated as "grants in aid," and further added that approval concerning the petitioners was pending from the Finance Department of the Delhi Government.

In issuing notice on the plea, the court asserted that prima facie, there appeared to be no valid justification for the withholding of the petitioners' salaries since May 2022.

“In the circumstances, the Chief Executive Officer/Administrator of Delhi Waqf Board and the Principal Secretary, Department of Finance are directed to convene a meeting and resolve the issue as regards payment of salary to the petitioners,” the court said.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on February 27 to review and ensure compliance with the directives issued by the court.

Title: ASLAM & ORS. v. GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS.