Waqf Board: Top 10 Property Claims by Third Largest Landowner in India

The WAQF Board of Directors in India, an entity that manages Islamic religious property, controls a large amount of land. The latest discussions and claims surrounding these characteristics have attracted national attention.

WAQF Board of Directors and Land Ownership

• The WAQF Board of Directors in India manages a property of approximately Rs 8.7 lakh, totaling 940,000 acres.
• These holdings are estimated to be worth Rs 1.2 lakh.
• The WAQF Board, as a group, is the third largest landowner in India, second only to the Armed Forces and the Indian Railways.
• India has 30 WAQF boards.
• Of the total WAQF assets, 356,051 are WAQF estates, consisting of 872,328 immovable characteristics and 16,713 movable characteristics.

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Famous property claims

The WAQF Board of Directors has made claims on various properties in India, some of which have sparked controversy:

• Delhi Property: More than 200 properties in Delhi, managed by central government agencies, have been declared WAQF properties. These include 108 properties under the Land and Development Office (L&DO), and 138 properties under the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
• Humayun’s Tomb: In 2010, the Delhi WAQF Board of Directors claimed ownership of Humayun tomb and noted that it was one of 150 heritage properties of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Mughal Mosque of Qutub Minar Complex: Delhi WAQF Board has allowed Namaz at Mughal Mosque in Qutub Minar Complex, citing history priority.
• Taj Mahal claims: Sunni WAQF board claims Shah Jahan gave them Taj Mahal. However, the Supreme Court requested Shah Jahan to sign the deed of transfer
• 123 Lutyens Delhi Property: In 2014, the UPA government transferred 123 properties in Lutyens Delhi to the Delhi WAQF Board, which was later reviewed by the NDA government panel in 2018.
• Maha Kumbh Land in Prayagraj: In January 2025, local Muslim groups claimed that the land used in Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj belongs to the WAQF Board.
• Government Property in Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh government shows that 78% of the land required by the WAQF board of directors in the state is government-owned.
• Thiruchenthenturai Village, Tamil Nadu: WAQF Board’s claims on the entire village hinder farmers’ ability to sell land.
• Surat Municipal Company Building: The WAQF Board claims to be in Surat’s Municipal Company Building, which believes it is Mughal Sarai.
• Munambam Land, Ernakulam, Kerala: The WAQF board has claimed about 400 acres of land in Munambam, Ernakulam, Kerala, resulting in protests from Christian residents.
• Eidgah Ground in Bangalore: The WAQF Board argues about its claims on Eidgah Ground in Bangalore, noting that its WAQF status dates back to the 1850s.
• Islands of Bet Dwarka: The WAQF Board attempts to claim ownership on two islands of Bet Dwarka, a petition that the Gujarat High Court is confused.

WAQF (Amendment) Act, 2024

The WAQF (Amendment) Act, in 2024, introduced the revised WAQF Property in Lok Sabha. The government said the amendments were intended to improve the management of WAQF property in the country.

The WAQF (Amendment) Act, 2024, proposes changes to the 1995 WAQF Act, including the inclusion of non-Muslims and women on the WAQF Board. The opposition sees this as an intervention in religious freedom, while the government sees it as a step towards transparency. The BJP, JDU and TDP support the bill, while Congress, SP, TMC, DMK and AIMIM oppose the bill. The government has a strong position in Lok Sabha, but conflicts are expected in Rajya Sabha.

WAQF Amendment Act Passes Lok Sabha

After a fierce debate, the WAQF (Amendment) Act was passed in Lok Sabha. The opposition protested strongly, saying it was interfering in Muslim religious affairs. During the voting period, 288 members supported the bill, while 232 members voted against it. The bill will now be proposed in today’s Rajya Sabha.

Proposed amendments in the bill

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  Included in WAQF Board of Directors non-Muslims and women.

• The District Magistrate Judge (collector) has the right to investigate the WAQF property.

• The WAQF Tribunal’s ruling could be challenged in the High Court.

Debate on the bill

The opposition and the All-India Muslim Personal Law Commission (AIMPLB) view the bill as a threat to religious freedom. They believe this will weaken WAQF’s property and increase government control.

WAQF Act 2024: 10 Key Updates

S.NO	question	detail
1	What is the WAQF Act?	Proposed amendment to the WAQF Act of 1995.
2	Key changes	Non-Muslims and women will be included on the WAQF Board.
3	Why are the opposition angry?	Claims of interference in religious freedom and weakening of WAQF property.
4	Government’s Proposition	The new law aims to increase transparency and prevent abuse.
5	Opposition from AIMPLB	It is claimed that the bill violates Articles 14, 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
6	supporter	BJP, JDU, TDP and other NDA allies.
7	opponent	Congress, SP, TMC, DMK, AIMIM and other opposition parties.
8	Lok Sabha scene	The NDA has 293 members, while the opposition has 233 members.
9	Rajya Sabha situation	The NDA has 115 members, and it’s a tough game.
10	Next step	Passed by Lok Sabha, a fierce debate is expected in Rajya Sabha.

Who supports the bill?

• BJP and NDA Allies (JDU, TDP) support the bill.

• Bihar’s NDA announced its decision to vote for it.

Who opposes the bill?

• Congress, RJD, TMC, DMK, AIMIM, SP and AIMPLB strongly oppose the bill.

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  Opposition leaders have pledged to vote in Lok Sabha.

• Aimplb claims it violates Articles 14, 25 and 26, which guarantee religious freedom.

Parliamentary equations

• The NDA has 293 MPs in Lok Sabha and has won an easy victory.

• The opposition Indian Union has 233 MPs, which is insufficient.

• Rajya Sabha remains a challenge for the government, with the NDA holding 115 MPs.

Future political strategy

In the obvious majority in Lok Sabha, the government successfully passed the bill. However, it is expected that Rajya Sabha will engage in a fierce political struggle. The opposition is preparing for a fierce protest against the issue.

The WAQF (Amendment) bill, in 2024, sparked a major parliamentary debate. When the government believes it is a reform measure, the opposition calls it an attack on religious freedom. The next few days will determine the fate of the bill in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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