Karnataka High Court Questions Waqf Board's Authority to Issue Marriage, Divorce Certificates

The Karnataka High Court questioned the State Board of Waqf authority to issue marriage and divorce certificates to Muslim couples, stating that the Waqf Act,1995 does not authorize such functions.

The court had earlier stayed a 2023 Government Order (GO) that authorised the Waqf Board to issue these certificates after the repeal of the Kazi Act, 1988.

The State argued the Government Order was issued to address difficulties faced by Muslim couples travelling abroad.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Alam Pasha challenging the Government Order, the court granted more time for the State's response and adjourned the matter to February 19, 2025.