On Thursday, the Supreme Court agreed to list a petition requesting an extension of the deadline for the mandatory registration of all Waqf properties, including 'Waqf by User', under the 'Umeed' portal.
New Delhi: A significant hearing took place in the Supreme Court regarding the registration of Waqf properties in the country. The court has agreed to hear a petition that seeks to make the registration of all Waqf properties mandatory on the 'Umeed' portal. This case specifically relates to the 'Waqf by User' provision.
Purpose of 'Umeed' Portal and Registration
The central government launched the 'Umeed' portal on June 6, 2025. Its objective is to create a digital database of all Waqf properties across the country and to bring transparency to their management. Under this portal, geo-tagging and uploading details of properties have been made mandatory. Initially, a six-month deadline was set for the registration of all Waqf properties. Petitioners argue that complete registration is not possible within this period, as only one month remains after the order came into effect.
'Waqf by User' refers to properties that are recognized as Waqf based on their long-term use for religious or charitable purposes, even without formal documentation. This means that a property is considered Waqf even in the absence of a written declaration by the owner. The Supreme Court rejected the plea to remove this provision, stating that it is not arbitrary and that allegations of government interference are illogical.
Court Hearing
Nizam Pasha, the counsel appearing on behalf of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi, requested the bench headed by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai to expeditiously list the petition filed for extending the registration deadline. He informed the court that the amended law had provided six months for the registration of Waqf properties, of which only one month now remains.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, present in the Supreme Court, objected to listing the petition, stating that the central government should be informed. Despite this, the Chief Justice allowed the petition to be listed, clarifying that listing does not amount to granting relief.
On September 15, the Supreme Court had passed an interim order on certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. It clarified that only followers of Islam could create a Waqf in the last five years. The court underlined that the entire law cannot be stayed.
