Telangana HC Dismisses Pleas against Shahi Masjid Khateeb Appointment

Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the Telangana High Court dismissed two writ petitions challenging the appointment of a Khateeb at the historic Shahi Masjid in Nampally, holding that the appointed person possessed the necessary religious and academic qualifications, including credentials from Jamia Nizamia. 

The judge junked allegations of mismanagement and illegality in the impugned appointment as unsubstantiated. 

The judge was dealing with a writ petition filed by M. Md. Dastageer Ali Khan who sought removal of Dr. Ahsan Al Hamoomi from the post of Khateeb/Imam.

The petitioner alleged that the appointment of Dr. Hamoomi was based on heredity and not



merit. He further accused him of failing to perform religious duties, mismanaging mosque property, and unlawfully altering portions of the premises. He also contended that authorities failed to act on his legal notice dated October 31, 2023. 

The Court noted that the authorities conducted a detailed inquiry following the complaint. 

The inquiry concluded that Dr. Hamoomi was appointed in accordance with the prescribed procedure under the relevant Government Order Rejecting the allegation of hereditary appointment, the judge observed that although the father of the Respondent and grandfather previously served in similar roles, his selection was based on merit and qualifications.