A notice from the Waqf Board to the 109-year-old MK Hostel in Mysore has triggered massive protests under the leadership of former MP Pratap Simha in Mysore. It is a case of serious property rights dispute with the Waqf Board over the historic MK Hostel, which Kadaba Narayana Shettar established in 1916.

This hostel, standing tall for more than 100 years, has become a significant landmark in Mysore’s history. Recently, the Waqf Board pasted a notice on the wall of the hostel, claiming the land belongs to them. This move sparked strong reactions from hostel owners, public activists, and local politicians.

Pratap Simha, a former MP, joined the protest against the Waqf Board’s claim. Addressing the protestors, Simha strongly opposed the move and called it an illegitimate attempt to seize private property. He said, “The Waqf Board has suddenly pasted a notice on the wall of the MK Hostel, which has a history of 109 years, and is saying that it belongs to us.”

He highlighted the historical value of the land and said it represents the legacy of Mysore’s Maharajas, not that of Hyder Ali or Tipu Sultan.

Simha and other protestors raised serious concerns about recent changes to the Waqf Act. He said, “The 2013 amendment to the Waqf Act allowed the encroachment of private land, government land, or anyone else's land.” 

Simha noted that this amendment was passed during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The issue has since stirred heated debates about land rights and ownership. Simha directly urged Prime Minister Modi to bring in a new Waqf Amendment Act.

For over a century, this hostel has served students and visitors. It remains deeply attached to Mysore’s educational and social space. Its founder, Narayana Shettar, built it for people seeking knowledge and opportunity.

CV Ramachandra Shetty, the current owner, made his stance clear. He said, “We have all the documents of our land. Let them show us whatever documents they have; we will fight the legal battle through the courts.” He confirmed their readiness to defend the hostel’s ownership through legal means.

The protest gained strength with the support of former MLA L. Nagendra, ex-city council members, and prominent local leaders. Their presence gave rise to the voice of the community. Protestors tore up the Waqf Board’s notice as a symbol of opposition. They alos shouted slogans, accusing the Waqf Board of unjust action and violating local rights.

This property battle in Mysore shows countless land disputes across India. These conflicts often mix history, culture, and legal issues. They raise serious moral and legal questions. The public remains alert, knowing these disputes touch on identity and heritage.

The Waqf Board and MK Hostel representatives must respond to the notice by May 9. Both sides now stand at a critical stage. Tensions are likely to rise in the coming days as each group is preparing for legal confrontation.

The people of Mysore will closely observe the legal battle and the consequences it will bring into their society, culture and heritage.