New Delhi: The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition challenging the government’s deadline for registering Waqf properties under the Waqf Act, 1995. The plea argues that the time limit imposed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs is arbitrary and unfair to Waqf boards and property custodians who face procedural and logistical barriers.
The petition seeks an extension of the deadline, stating that many Waqf institutions lack adequate administrative support and documentation to complete the process within the given time. It contends that the deadline restricts access to justice and undermines the protection of religious endowments.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs had earlier issued a notification setting a fixed timeframe for registration. Officials said the move aimed to streamline records and prevent encroachments or misuse of Waqf properties. However, several Waqf boards and community representatives have expressed concern that the tight schedule leaves thousands of properties at risk of being excluded from official records.
A Supreme Court bench has agreed to list the matter for hearing, showing readiness to examine the issue. While no interim relief has been granted, the court’s intervention could influence the future of Waqf administration across India.
The case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the management of Waqf properties, especially in states with large Muslim populations. It also raises questions about how government policies address the operational realities of minority institutions.
