Central government is preparing to make changes in Wakf Act soon

Cabinet approves 40 amendments

According to agency sources, the bill is likely to propose around 40 amendments to the Waqf Act. Sources also said that the bill has been approved by the Union Cabinet on Friday. According to sources, the bill proposes to repeal some sections of the Act, the main aim of which is to reduce the arbitrary powers that the Waqf Boards have. 

Also Read: Central govt for the first time issued guidelines regarding transportation of organs

These points should be taken into consideration in the bill

• Through this law the Central Government wants to end the autocracy of the Board. 
• The bill includes mandatory verification to ensure a more transparent process in the boards. Sections 9 and 14 may be amended to change the structure and functioning of Wakf boards to ensure representation for women.
• To resolve the disputes, the properties claimed by the Waqf Boards will be verified afresh.
• Magistrates may be involved in the monitoring of waqf properties. 

Muslim intellectuals themselves demanded change

According to sources, the demand to change the existing laws has come from Muslim intellectuals, women and various sects like Shia and Bohra. There are about 8 lakh 70 thousand properties under Waqf boards across the country and the total land under these properties is about 9 lakh 40 thousand acres. 

The Act came into force in 1995

The Wakf Act was enacted in 1995 and governs properties donated and notified as Wakf by the Waqf.  

The Waqf Board often makes such claims which lead to controversy. For example, in September 2022, the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board claimed its right over the entire Thiruchendurai village, where a majority Hindu population had lived for centuries.