Waqf Property Law: “User” Claims in India May Stay, Registration Needed

Waqf Property Law User Claims in India May Stay Re

A parliamentary committee is suggesting changes to the Waqf Bill, focusing on properties claimed through long-term usage. These properties, currently identified as “Waqf by user,” can remain as such if they are not under dispute or used as government facilities. However, this comes with a requirement: all such properties must be officially registered before the new law takes effect. This registration process is not entirely welcome by Waqf bodies, as they often claim ownership without holding clear proof.

This proposal is a result of opposition Members of Parliament pushing for major changes to the bill. They have proposed changes to all 44 clauses, aiming to bring back the original rules of the current Act. The opposition argues that the committee’s changes would significantly alter the established legal framework. The proposed changes try to address problems where properties have been claimed as Waqf based on long-term use rather than proper ownership papers.

Now, properties held for generations may need formal registration, which emphasizes accurate record-keeping. This focus on registration is meant to add clarity and avoid false claims, but some Waqf representatives feel it unfairly burdens their communities. A key concern is how the new law might change long-standing community traditions related to these properties. The suggested amendments show a strong effort by opposition parties to keep existing legal safeguards for Waqf properties.

One opposition MP expressed strong concerns about the committee’s proposal, stating it “would mean chaos.” This highlights a clash of viewpoints over the best way to manage Waqf properties. Consequently, these proposed amendments and modifications to the bill are likely to create a large discussion about the future of Waqf properties in India. Ultimately, the push to maintain the “Waqf by user” system, alongside the need for clear legal titles, is now a central point of debate around this bill.

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