AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has filed a plea seeking an extension for the mandatory registration of waqf properties under the UMEED portal. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on October 28.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on October 28 for a plea filed by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, seeking an extension of time for the mandatory registration of all waqf properties, including “waqf-by-users”, under the UMEED portal.
A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran heard arguments from Owaisi’s lawyer, Nizam Pasha, who stressed the urgency of the matter, noting that the six-month period provided for registration is nearing its end.
On Tuesday, a similar plea was also mentioned for urgent hearing alongside Owaisi’s, and the bench indicated it would consider listing the fresh plea during the same session.
Background: Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 and Interim Orders
Earlier, on September 15, the Supreme Court had issued an interim order putting on hold certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including a controversial clause that restricted creating a waqf to those practising Islam for at least five years. However, the court did not stay the entire law, respecting the principle of presumption of constitutionality.
The court also observed that the government’s move to delete the “waqf by user” provision in the amended law was prima facie not arbitrary, and rejected the argument that this could result in waqf land being grabbed by governments.
For context, “waqf by user” refers to a practice where a property is recognised as a religious or charitable endowment (waqf) based on its long-term, uninterrupted use for such purposes, even if there is no formal declaration by the owner.
The UMEED Portal and Registration Deadline
On June 6, the Centre launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 (UMEED) portal to create a digital inventory of all waqf properties after geo-tagging them.
Under the UMEED portal guidelines, details of all registered waqf properties across India must be uploaded within six months. Owaisi’s lawyer highlighted that five months have already passed due to judicial proceedings, leaving only one month to comply with the registration deadline.
The outcome of this hearing could be critical for waqf property owners and religious endowments across India, as it may determine whether additional time will be granted for full compliance with the registration mandate.
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