Supreme Court Examines Waqf Properties Registration Extension Plea

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear an application requesting an extension for the mandatory registration of all waqf properties, including waqf-by-users, through the UMEED portal.

In a prior interim order from September 15, the Supreme Court suspended key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Despite the suspension, the court did not annul the entire legislation, asserting the presumption of its constitutionality. It found the Centre's decision to remove the 'waqf by user' provision in the amended law to be reasonable, dismissing concerns about government appropriation of waqf lands.

On Thursday, lawyer Nizam Pasha, representing AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, urged an extension of the registration period, noting that five out of the six allotted months were spent in legal deliberation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the plea's mentioning, suggesting the Centre be informed. Chief Justice B R Gavai allowed for listing but clarified it did not imply relief would be granted. The UMEED portal, launched by the Centre on June 6, aims to digitally inventory all waqf properties in India, requiring upload of property details within six months.

(With inputs from agencies.)