In an unfolding drama that has captured national attention, the central government has intensified its oversight on properties related to the Delhi Waqf Board. Based on crucial findings by a dedicated two-member committee delving into the intricacies of denotified Waqf properties, the Ministry made the weighty decision to assume direct control over an impressive 123 properties. These properties, steeped in cultural and religious significance, range from mosques and dargahs to even graveyards.

Amanatullah Khan, the figurehead and chairman of the Waqf Board, was officially informed about this sweeping decision. He was handed an official letter from the Ministry, marking a moment that could potentially change the landscape of Delhi's religious sites.

But perhaps what sent a stronger ripple of surprise was the sudden notice that was prominently slapped onto the iconic Jama Masjid's walls. This majestic mosque, which stands tall opposite the very Parliament of India, was intimated by the Land and Office of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. According to the details specified in the notice, a thorough inspection of the Jama Masjid is scheduled for the upcoming Monday. The inspection wasn't a mere bureaucratic whim; it was a direct consequence of a ruling from the Delhi High Court.

But what was even more startling was the directive within the notice. Whoever held the reins as the "occupant of the property" was now thrust into the spotlight. They were instructed, in no uncertain terms, to be fully prepared and arm themselves with every possible document and map that could validate their claims. The implication was clear: the inspection was no casual affair, and every claim would be meticulously scrutinized.

While the initial findings of the two-member committee have spearheaded the Ministry's decision to oversee the 123 properties associated with the Delhi Waqf Board, the echoes of this decision are being felt deeply across various echelons of the community. These aren't mere plots of land; they encompass mosques, dargahs, and graveyards – each with its rich tapestry of history and significance.

Amanatullah Khan, the man helming the Delhi Waqf Board, wasn't just an impassive bystander. He received formal communication from the Ministry, a letter bearing the gravity of the decision to supervise these iconic properties directly. Every word in that letter symbolized a pivot in the trajectory of Delhi's landmark sites.

But the Jama Masjid stands out, not merely for its architectural splendor but for the fervent responses it has invoked. Muhibullah Nadwi, the esteemed Imam of Jama Masjid, emerged as a vocal presence amidst the brewing tensions. With an air of unwavering confidence, he assuaged the public's fears by asserting that the Jama Masjid faced no looming threats. Nadwi's claims weren't baseless; he mentioned the existence of concrete documents that would fortify the mosque's position. In a gesture of transparency, he even extended an open invitation to the media. Their lenses and microphones were welcome to capture the inspection process, ensuring that the truth, whatever it might be, was laid bare for all to witness.

But there's a backstory that casts a shadow on these events. Earlier in May, the Delhi High Court had found itself ensnared in this controversy. A petition had been presented to the Court, fervently seeking to halt the impending inspection of these 123 properties. The crux of the petition was a challenge, a bold critique of the central government's move to exclude the Waqf Board from all deliberations linked to these specific properties. However, the Court, after weighing the intricacies, chose not to issue a stay on the inspections. Their decision added another layer of complexity to this already intricate narrative.

The year 2023 saw an event that ruffled quite a few feathers in Delhi's political and cultural circles. On the 17th of February, a rather profound spectacle unfolded - a spectacle of notices being firmly affixed outside 123 properties. These weren't ordinary notifications. Issued by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, these notices relayed a clear, unequivocal message: these properties no longer stood under the protective umbrella of the Delhi Waqf Board.

For those familiar with the historical landscape, the importance of these 123 properties is palpable. A diverse ensemble of mosques, dargahs, and a cemetery, each of these sites bears its own legacy and significance. The roots of their association with the Delhi Waqf Board can be traced back to the eve of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. It was during this politically charged period that the then-reigning Congress-led UPA government decided to bequeath these properties to the Waqf Board. This gesture, though seen by many as a nod to preserving cultural heritage, wasn't without its detractors.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, a prominent organization, expressed its apprehensions. Their concerns were less about the properties themselves and more about their strategic locations. Feeling a compulsion to ensure that these concerns didn't remain mere murmurs in closed rooms, they decided to knock on the doors of the judiciary.

To address the burgeoning issue, a unique approach was adopted. Instead of relying on single-handed judgments, a two-tiered committee system was instated. This included a one-member overview committee, complemented by a more detailed two-member panel. The latter was no ordinary group; it had the insights of a retired SDM and the wisdom of a former Delhi High Court judge. Their primary objective was clear - to lend an ear to those affected by this seismic shift in property control.

After extensive deliberations and hearings, the committee arrived at a pivotal recommendation. They believed that a physical inspection of these contentious 123 properties was paramount. This recommendation, though simple in its essence, was bound to set the stage for further debates and discussions. The wheels were now in motion, and the next chapters in this gripping saga were eagerly awaited by all stakeholders.