Kerala High Court Rules Munambam Is Not Waqf Land

Kochi, October 10, 2025: The Kerala High Court Division Bench’s clear declaration that Munambam is not Waqf land, completely rejecting the Single Bench order that claimed otherwise, is commendable and filled with hope, said KRLCC (Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council) President Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal. KRLCC described this verdict as a victory for the people of Munambam, their righteous struggle, and the justice system in protecting fundamental rights.

The Division Bench of the High Court declared that the land donated to Farook College in 1950 is not Waqf land and highlighted that the 610 families in Munambam who purchased the land had their ownership unilaterally declared as Waqf land by the Waqf Board in 2019—a move described as an extraordinary step to seize the land.

KRLCC praised the Kerala government for filing an appeal against the Single Bench order, which had questioned the appointment of the Justice Ramachandran Nair Commission, set up by the government to protect the revenue rights of the Munambam people and to resolve the issue permanently, resulting in a favourable verdict for the people of Munambam.

In light of the Division Bench’s new verdict, KRLCC President Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, Vice President Joseph Jude, and General Secretary Fr. Jiju George Arakkathara urged the government to take immediate follow-up measures to reinstate the revenue rights of the people of Munambam.

Joseph Jude

Spokesperson, Latin Catholic Church