Gadag Farmers Win Legal Battle Against Waqf Board Over Land Ownership

Farmers in Gadag district have successfully reclaimed ownership of their lands after a prolonged legal battle against the local Waqf Board. In August 2022, a group of 315 farmers, who had been listed as Waqf property owners, went to court to contest the Board’s claims. Many of these farmers, who were unaware that their lands had been designated as Waqf properties, had been deprived of crop insurance compensation and other government benefits as a result.

The farmers, mostly illiterate and unaware of the legal complexities surrounding their land, learned about the Waqf Board’s claims in March 2019. Many of them inherited the land from their ancestors, while others had acquired it through contracts known as “Kabja” or “Lavani” in Kannada. Upon discovering the issue, they sought legal recourse, citing the Land Reforms Act of 1974. As of now, 315 farmers have successfully regained ownership of their lands, while another 201 are awaiting the court’s decision.

The farmers, who have been fighting this case for six years, are now spreading awareness among other farmers facing similar issues. Meanwhile, a member of the Gadag District Waqf Board advised potential land buyers to carefully verify land documents before purchase.

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