High Court orders Status Quo to be maintained in respect of Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute
HYDERABAD : In a Writ Petition filed by one Mr Syed Iftekhar Hussaini questioning the action of Minorities Welfare Department in sealing the reputed and age-old Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute, the High Court directed Status Quo to be maintained.
The High Court noted that the premises is sealed and is not open to public to offer Namaz and directed the Government to continue with Status Quo.
The Writ Petition No.2379 of 2026 was filed by Mr Syed Iftekhar Hussaini to preserve the age old Institute and also because the memo issued by Minorities Welfare Department does not follow the legal procedure.
It was brought to notice that Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute has been operating from its premises in Public Gardens, adjacent to Telangana Legislative Assembly since the year 1959 and the lease was given by the then Endowments Department.
Abul Kalam Oriental Research Institute Got Sealed Amid Protests From Academics Telangana. Over 65 yr old facility for researchers now stands in limbo,
Amid protests from academics, the building housing the Abul Kalam Oriental Research Institute at Public Garden was sealed following a government decision. Functioning since 1959, the historical Niaz Khana, located next to the Shahi Masjid, was locked a day after the government issued a memo.
The 11-member board governing the institute have decided to approach the court seeking the reopening of the Niaz Khana, stating that the closure of the building posed a risk to the collection of invaluable manuscripts and books of historical significance.
According to a circular issued on January 23, the lease executed between the then secretary, AP Waqf Board, represented by the commission, endowment, AP, and the institute in 1959 was cancelled.
The reason cited in the memo was “for the utilisation of the building for offering regular Namaz and Taraweeh prayers, in the interest of public convenience, safety and welfare of the Musallies.” It noted that the Ramzan month was approaching.
“We have already given up section of the building which was part of the institute,” said Aziz Ahmed, a member of the institute board. He said that the section closed on Saturday “has a collection of books including manuscripts and preserved texts of historical significance.”
Muslim Federation of India (MFI) National President MA Mujeeb said the institute had produced about 82 books, besides helping hundreds of national and international scholars. “We won’t be giving up and will approach the court.
Speaking to Indian White Paper National General Secretary of MFI Dr.KB Ansari warned the Reanth Redy govt not to spoil Congress stand in protecting the religious and minority educational, reserach work/ done by Abul Kalam reserach work which will be guiding to the youth said Dr. KB Ansari.
Dr. KB Ansari said that the collection of books and manuscripts was well-preserved despite all the challenges of almost seven decades.
“Some of the books are from the 19th century. These include rare specimen copies of antiquarian books and the earliest printed texts of archaeological and historical importance including palm leaves (talapatram). We not only have rare copies of the holy Quran, but also talapatram sets which would shed light on Hindu religious practices,” Dr. KB Ansari told Indian White Paper.
Officials from minority welfare department who were instructed to seal the facility were not ready to offer comment when approached.
A former Urdu Academy official on condition of anonymity described this as a ‘brutality’, expressing disgust and anguish. “This appears to be a nightmare, as I never expected this type of excess. One could not help in this dire situation,” he observed.
