New Delhi, India

The Indian government is set to bring changes to the Waqf Act with the primary aim of curbing the "unfettered" powers of the Muslim body - the country's third largest landowner after the Indian Railways and armed forces. 

Advertisment

As per multiple reports, the Cabinet held a meeting on Friday (Aug 2) and discussed 40-odd amendments in the Wakf Act (known as the Waqf Act before 2013). The legislation to amend the Waqf Act is likely to be introduced in the Parliament next week. 

What does the government want to repeal?

The amendments are intended to reduce the arbitrary powers currently wielded by Waqf Boards, which allow them to claim any property as waqf without any mandatory verification. Section 3 of the Waqf Act defines what a Waqf property is.

Advertisment

"Waqf means the permanent dedication by any person, of any movable or immovable property for any purpose recognised by the Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable," it says. 

Under the changes, women's participation in the Central Waqf Council might also be increased by amending Section 9 and Section 14. Additionally, the government is mulling involving district magistrates in monitoring Waqf properties to prevent misuse of the assets. 

Properties claimed by Waqf Boards will have to undergo fresh verification to resolve disputes. 

Advertisment

Watch | Aligarh Muslim University: Bike-riding attackers open fire at two AMU staff members

×

How much property do the Waqf Boards have?

Currently, Waqf Boards have almost 870,000 immovable properties, 16,173 moveable properties and 356,031 estates. In 2013, the then UPA government, led by the Indian National Congress (INC) gave more sweeping powers to Waqf Boards, which have since been a point of contention.

There are over 58,000 complaints against the board with more than 18,000 in tribunals while over 150 are in High Courts and Supreme Courts. 

Also read | Indian man constructs a temple for 'Alien God', claims he spoke to aliens who will save world

In September 2022, a huge controversy erupted when the Waqf Board in the southern state of Tamil Nadu claimed ownership of the entire Thiruchendurai village which had a majority Hindu population. 

The Waqf Board claimed that they hold 389 acres of land that was measured by government-recognised surveyors and registered as Waqf property in 1954.

Notably, the amendments are being planned, keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections in the states of Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand. 

(With inputs from agencies)