Did the state governments also take possession of Waqf properties? JPC asked for report

JPC seeks details of Waqf properties: The Parliamentary Committee is seriously considering the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and in this regard has sought from several state governments the authenticity and updated information about the Waqf properties which, according to the Sachar Committee, have been subject to unauthorized encroachment. This committee is also demanding details of the properties claimed by the Waqf boards under Section 40 of the Waqf Act. Lok Sabha has approved to extend the tenure of this committee till the last day of the next budget session.

The parliamentary committee has sought updated information on those points of the Sachar Committee report, in which it was alleged that Waqf properties were in possession of state governments or their agencies. During 2005–06, the Sachar Committee had received complaints of unauthorized occupation from several state Waqf boards. This committee is collecting information from the states through the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Section 40 of the Waqf Act, which was amended in 2013, remains a key issue in this entire matter. This section empowers Waqf boards to decide whether any property belongs to Waqf or not. The proposed amendment is trying to limit this right, making this issue more sensitive.

Updated information sought from six states

The committee, headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, found that the report given to the Sachar Committee in 2005-06 had given information about Waqf properties under unauthorized occupation in Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. The committee has sought updated information about the current situation from these states. Similar information is being obtained from other states also.

Detailed report on the status of Waqf properties

The Parliamentary Committee has asked the Chief Ministers of the respective states to check the authenticity of the information mentioned in the Sachar Committee report and present a detailed report. In 2005, the then UPA government constituted the Sachar Committee to study the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim community. On November 28, approval was given in the Lok Sabha to extend the tenure of the committee considering the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

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