With the Supreme Court yet to deliver its verdict on a series of petitions challenging amendments to the Waqf Act, the central government is moving ahead with a major administrative overhaul concerning Waqf properties. According to sources, a new portal — titled Waqf Umeed — will be officially launched on June 6, and registration of Waqf properties through this portal will be mandatory.
The move marks a significant step in digitising and streamlining the management of Waqf assets across the country. According to official sources, any Waqf property that is not registered via the portal will be considered disputed, and the matter will be automatically referred to the Waqf Tribunal. However, in cases where registration is delayed due to technical or other substantial reasons, an extension of one to two months may be granted.
The portal derives its name from the acronym UMEED, which stands for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development. The initiative aims to bring greater transparency and accountability in the handling of Waqf properties, sources added.
The government also plans to integrate Election Commission data to assist in identifying and verifying Waqf properties. Each listed property must be geo-tagged, and full details including exact dimensions and geographical coordinates will be required to complete the registration process.
Also Read: SC issues notice on plea challenging validity of 1995 Waqf Act
In order to prevent misuse or wrongful claims, the portal will require the disclosure of legal ownership. For instance, properties registered in the name of women or where women are legal heirs cannot be declared as Waqf, as per the guidelines.
The onus of registering a Waqf property will lie with the Mutawalli, or manager of the property. Registration will be carried out through the respective State Waqf Boards, which will also provide the necessary technical support to facilitate the process.
This development comes shortly after the Supreme Court reserved its judgment in a batch of petitions questioning the constitutionality of the amended Waqf Act. During the hearings, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had reiterated that legislation passed by Parliament is presumed to be constitutional unless a compelling case to the contrary is demonstrated.
The apex court had also pointed out that mandatory registration of Waqf properties is not a new requirement, noting that similar provisions have existed since 1923. The launch of the Waqf Umeed portal, seen as a politically and socially sensitive step, reflects the government's intention to proceed with reforms in Waqf property management while the legal challenges remain pending before the judiciary.
Also Read: Human chain protest against Waqf Amendment Act in Hyderabad
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