Wed Jan 29 14:36:32 UTC 2025: ## Telangana to Convene Conference to Resolve Qazi Jurisdictional Disputes
**Hyderabad, January 29, 2025** – The Telangana government will hold a conference to address ongoing jurisdictional disputes between traditional “mouroosi” qazis and government-appointed qazis who officiate at Muslim marriages. These disputes, stemming from unclear geographical boundaries, have resulted in numerous court cases.
According to Mohammad Ali Shabbir, the Telangana government’s Advisor for Minorities Welfare, and Syed Azmatullah Hussaini, Chairman of the Telangana State Waqf Board, the lack of defined jurisdictions has become increasingly problematic with Hyderabad’s growing population. Historically, qazis were appointed for specific areas, such as Golconda, during the Nizam’s rule, but their jurisdictions have expanded, leading to overlapping authority and conflict. The current system, involving numerous deputy qazis, further complicates the issue.
Mr. Shabbir stressed the need to first establish clear geographical boundaries before appointing new qazis. Mr. Hussaini noted that historically, mouroosi qazis received inam lands (land grants) and had extensive jurisdictions, while the government later independently appointed additional qazis, leading to the current conflict. The Waqf Board, while not directly involved in appointments, forwards applications, with the final decision resting with the Minorities Welfare Secretary based on a collector’s report.
Concerns were also raised about inconsistent fees charged by qazis depending on the wedding’s extravagance. The conference aims to address these issues and potentially clarify the future of the qazi system, acknowledging concerns from some advocating for its abolishment. Without the qazi system, the statement noted, citizens would be forced to rely on registration offices or mosques for marriage registrations.
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