The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain pleas seeking an extension of the six-month statutory deadline for registering Waqf properties under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, directing applicants instead to approach the designated Waqf Tribunal for relief.
A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih emphasized that the appropriate legal remedy lies with the Tribunal, as established under the new legislation. “Since a remedy for the applicants is already available before the Waqf Tribunal, they may seek the same by December 6, which we are informed is the last date for the registration of property,” the court observed.
During the proceedings, lawyers representing the applicants highlighted that challenges extended beyond mere registration on the UMEED portal—the central digital platform mandated for the process—and encompassed broader issues related to the digitization of Waqf properties nationwide.
They expressed apprehension that by the time the Tribunal adjudicates their applications, the December 6 deadline may have already lapsed, potentially jeopardizing the registration of significant Waqf assets.
The court, however, provided clarity and reassurance, noting that genuine technical or procedural obstacles would not unfairly penalize applicants. “If the time freezes (in the Portal), you cannot be held responsible. If at all the Tribunal allows you, your six months will be counted and your application will be considered. You do not need permission. If difficulty arises, you can always file an application before us,” the bench stated.
The UMEED Central Portal—which stands for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development—was introduced under the framework of the Waqf Act, 1995, as amended. It is designed to serve as a centralized, transparent digital system for the real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties across India.
The portal aims to revolutionize the administration of Waqf assets by enhancing accountability, streamlining management, and encouraging public participation. Its key features include:
Digital Inventory with Geo-Tagging: Comprehensive recording and geographical mapping of all Waqf properties.
Online Grievance Redressal: A structured mechanism to address concerns and improve institutional responsiveness.
Transparent Leasing and Usage Tracking: Monitoring of leases and usage to prevent mismanagement or encroachment.
GIS Integration: Linkage with Geographic Information System mapping and other e-Governance tools.
Public Access to Records: Verified records and reports accessible to the public, fostering transparency.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene directly underscores the legislative intent to empower specialized Tribunals with domain-specific expertise to handle such matters. This approach is consistent with the structure of the 2025 Amendment, which aims to decentralize and expedite dispute resolution related to Waqf properties.
Stakeholders, including state Waqf boards and mutawallis (property managers), are now expected to intensify efforts to meet the December 6 cutoff or seek timely relief from the Waqf Tribunal for legitimate technical impediments.
Legal experts suggest that the ruling reinforces the importance of utilizing statutory mechanisms before approaching constitutional courts, while also acknowledging the practical difficulties involved in large-scale digitization initiatives.
As the deadline approaches, the efficiency of the UMEED portal and the responsiveness of the Tribunal system will be closely watched, with significant implications for the management and preservation of India’s vast Waqf estate.
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