Wakf Board Act Amendment Bill: A new bill has been introduced in Parliament that will amend the Waqf Act of 1995. Its aim is to bring transparency in the functioning of the Waqf Board and include women in these boards. According to the government, this step is being taken in view of the demands arising from within the Muslim community. This bill, which was recently reviewed by the Cabinet, aims to repeal several sections of the existing Waqf Act. These repeals are mainly aimed at reducing the arbitrary authority of the Waqf Boards, which currently allows them to claim any property as Waqf property without mandatory verification.

Wakf Board Act

The concept of waqf in India dates back to the time of the Delhi Sultanate, with one example being the dedication of a village to the Jama Masjid of Multan by Sultan Muizuddin Sam Ghor (Muhammad Ghori). The Muslim Waqf Act of 1923 during the British rule was the first attempt to regulate it.

year 1954 The Waqf Act was passed by the Parliament for the first time in independent India in 1937.

year 1995 In 1999 it was replaced by a new Wakf Act, which gave more power to the Wakf boards. With this increase in power came increased complaints of encroachment and illegal leasing and sale of Wakf properties.

year 2013 In 1945, the Act was amended, giving Wakf boards unlimited powers to claim properties in the name of Muslim charities. The amendments also made the sale of Wakf properties impossible.

Waqf Board has so much property

Waqf deals with properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. Once designated as a waqf, the property is transferred from the donor to Allah and is irrevocable. These properties are managed by a mutawalli appointed by the waqf or the competent authority.

The Waqf Board is reportedly the third largest land holder in India after the Railways and the Defence Department. The Waqf Boards control 8.7 lakh properties spread over 9.4 lakh acres across India, worth an estimated Rs 1.2 lakh crore. There are 32 Waqf Boards, including two Shia Waqf Boards in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The state Waqf Boards are controlled by about 200 individuals.

These changes are being considered

The bill proposes around 40 changes to the existing Waqf law. Under this, Waqf boards will have to undergo mandatory verification for all property claims, which will ensure transparency.

It aims to amend Sections 9 and 14 to change the structure and functioning of Waqf Boards, including representation for women.

Further, fresh verification of properties claimed by Waqf Boards will be done to settle disputes and to prevent misuse, District Magistrates may be involved in monitoring Waqf properties.

According to The Economic Times, this law is being brought due to widespread concerns over the arbitrary powers of the Waqf Boards. For example, in September 2022, the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board staked its claim on the predominantly Hindu-dominated Tiruchendurai village.

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WAQF Bill 2024: What is the Waqf Board Act? For which there is so much ruckus in the Parliament!

Wakf Board Act

Waqf Board has so much property

These changes are being considered

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