Waqf Properties in India (2025)

Waqf Properties in India (2025)

State-wise Distribution and Legal Reforms of Waqf Properties in India

Key Points:

1. Definition and Historical Background:
   • A Waqf is a property donated for religious or charitable purposes in the name of Allah.
   • Waqf properties include mosques, madrasas, graveyards, Eidgahs, mazaars, and exhibitions.
   • The concept dates back to the Delhi Sultanate, with Sultan Muizuddin Sam Gaur’s donation of two villages in Multan being an early example.
2. Waqf Administration:
   • India has 32 state Waqf boards monitored by the Central Waqf Council.
   • Certain states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have separate Shia and Sunni boards, with Sunni holdings generally larger.
3. State-wise Distribution of Waqf Properties (2022):
   • Total registered Waqf properties: 16,713 movable + 872,328 immovable.
   • Top 5 states with the highest number of Waqf properties:
     1. Uttar Pradesh: 214,707 (Sunni: 199,701; Shia: 15,006)
     2. West Bengal: 80,480
     3. Tamil Nadu: 60,223
     4. Punjab: 58,608
     5. Karnataka: 58,578
   • Other notable states/UTs:
     • Jammu & Kashmir: 32,506
     • Assam: 1,616
     • Delhi: 1,047
     • Dadra & Nagar Haveli: 32
     • Chandigarh: 34
     • Meghalaya: 58
4. Need for Legislative Amendment – Waqf Bill 2025:
   • Introduced in Parliament to modernize 66-year-old Waqf laws.
   • Key provisions:
     • Inclusion of 2 non-Muslim members on Waqf boards.
     • Address issues like illegal sale, encroachment, and lack of documentation of properties.
     • Enhance transparency in surveying, registration, and utilization of Waqf assets.
   • Political and social contention exists, particularly regarding community representation and property rights.
5. Challenges:
   • Over 700,000 immovable properties under Waqf nationally, many undocumented.
   • Complaints received (April 2022–March 2023) include:
     • Encroachments
     • Illegal sales
     • Delays in surveying & registration
     • Issues with management by mutawallis and Waqf boards
       
       Updated - May 27, 2025, 6:02 PM | https://www.india.com/