Uttar Pradesh is facing a situation involving a large number of Sunni and Shia waqf properties. Around 114,624 properties in the state might be impacted by a proposed change in the central government’s Waqf Amendment Bill of 2024. These properties, currently listed as “waqf by user,” could lose their protected status under the new bill. This means that land and buildings being used as waqf properties might no longer be recognized as such.
Specifically, about 4,624 properties belong to the Shia Waqf Board, while approximately 110,000 fall under the Sunni Waqf Board in Uttar Pradesh. All of these are listed under the “waqf by user” category. Consequently, the proposed amendment could affect a substantial amount of land and property across the state, raising concerns about the future of these religious sites. This proposed change is causing worry, as many properties could lose their current protection.
The Shia Waqf Board has expressed its concerns, stating that the proposed bill could harm the protection of these properties. A representative from the Shia Waqf Board noted that the changes would significantly impact waqf properties throughout the state. Furthermore, both the Shia and Sunni boards worry that this amendment could jeopardize the established status and protections currently in place for these religious properties.
The implications of the Waqf Amendment Bill aren’t limited to Uttar Pradesh; they could affect similar properties nationwide. The final outcome of these proposed changes will ultimately determine the future of many waqf properties. Moreover, it will also affect the communities that depend on them, creating further uncertainty regarding the status of waqf properties and their legal protections.