New Waqf Law Takes Effect, But Disputes Over 73,000 Out Of 8.8 Lakh Properties Remain A Concern
Waqf Properties In India: There are 8.8 lakh Waqf properties. Uttar Pradesh leads with 2.4 lakh properties across its Sunni and Shia boards
Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: As the contentious the Waqf (Amendment) Bill became the law after President Droupadi Murmu’s approval amid protests, a data from the Ministry of Minority Affairs revealed that out of the total 8.8 lakh Waqf properties across 30 states and Union Territories, over 73,000 are currently under dispute and may be affected by the new provisions in the act.
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A Waqf is a personal property designated by Muslims for religious, charitable, or private purposes, with ownership implied to be with God, though the beneficiaries can vary. The Waqf Assets Management System Of India (WAMSI) database, maintained by the Central government, records all Waqf properties, including their types, management, and current status.
According to the database quoted by Indian Express, there are 8.8 lakh Waqf properties. Uttar Pradesh leads with 2.4 lakh properties across its Sunni and Shia boards. Following UP are West Bengal (80,480), Punjab (75,511), Tamil Nadu (66,092), and Karnataka (65,242). Only Bihar, besides UP, has separate Sunni and Shia boards and other states have unified Waqf boards.
Of the total Waqf properties, 6.2 lakh are graveyards, agricultural land, mosques, shops, or houses. Graveyards represent 17.3% of the properties, while agricultural land and mosques account for 16% and 14%, respectively.
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Waqf Properties Under Dispute
Disputed Waqf properties fall into categories such as encroached, under litigation, or alienated. Properties under litigation include external civil suits involving individuals or internal disputes within a Waqf board. Alienated properties involve “illegal" transfers and are subject to civil suits. Encroached properties are those claimed by the government as built on its land, and disputes may be resolved by a tribunal, which under the proposed Bill, consists of a District Judge and a state government officer of Joint Secretary rank.
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The Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, a notable Waqf property, was the center of a significant legal battle after its demolition in 1992, with the Supreme Court ultimately deciding the case in 2019, leading to the construction of a Ram Temple on the site.
As many as 58,929 out of total Waqf properties are under dispute, 13,723 under litigation, and 3,44,953 non-encumbered.
Which State Has The Most Waqf Properties & Which City Is Called The ‘Waqf Capital’?
Among the states, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have the highest number of disputed properties. According to WAMSI, 56.5% of Punjab’s 75,511 properties are classified as “encroached," the highest in the country, Indian Express reported.
Although UP has the most Waqf properties, only 3,044 are disputed. West Bengal follows with 3,742 disputed properties, the second highest after Punjab.
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