Waqf Board: Top 10 Property Claims by Third Largest Landowner in India

The Waqf Boards in India, entities managing Islamic religious properties, control a significant amount of land. Recent discussions and claims surrounding these properties have drawn national attention.

Waqf Boards and Land Ownership

• Waqf Boards in India administer about 8.7 lakh properties, amounting to 9.4 lakh acres.
• These holdings are estimated to be worth ₹1.2 lakh crore.
• The Waqf Boards as a group are the third-largest landholders in India, after the Armed Forces and Indian Railways.
• There are 30 Waqf Boards in India.
• Of the total Waqf assets, 356,051 are Waqf estates, consisting of 872,328 immovable properties and 16,713 movable properties.

Also Read | Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: Answers of All Your Doubts and Questions Here

Notable Property Claims

Waqf Boards have made claims on various properties across India, some of which have sparked controversy:

• Delhi Properties: Over 200 properties in Delhi, managed by central government agencies, have been declared as Waqf properties. These include 108 properties under the Land and Development Office (L&DO) and 138 under the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
• Humayun's Tomb: In 2010, the Delhi Waqf Board asserted ownership of Humayun's Tomb, stating it was among 150 heritage properties under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Mughal Mosque in Qutub Minar Complex: The Delhi Waqf Board has requested permission to conduct namaz at the Mughal Mosque in the Qutub Minar complex, citing historical precedence.
• Taj Mahal Claim: The Sunni Waqf Board claimed that Shah Jahan gave them the Taj Mahal. However, the Supreme Court demanded a transfer deed signed by Shah Jahan, which was not produced
• 123 Properties in Lutyens' Delhi: In 2014, the UPA government transferred 123 properties in Lutyens' Delhi to the Delhi Waqf Board, a decision later reviewed by an NDA government panel in 2018.
• Maha Kumbh Land in Prayagraj: In January 2025, local Muslim groups claimed that the land used for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj belongs to the Waqf Board.
• Government Properties in Uttar Pradesh: The Uttar Pradesh government indicated that 78% of the land claimed by the Waqf Board in the state is government-owned.
• Thiruchenthurai Village, Tamil Nadu: The Waqf Board's claim over the entire village hindered a farmer's ability to sell his land.
• Surat Municipal Corporation Building: The Waqf Board claimed the Municipal Corporation building in Surat, arguing it historically served as a sarai during the Mughal era.
• Munambam Land in Ernakulam, Kerala: The Waqf Board claimed approximately 400 acres of land in Munambam, Ernakulam, Kerala, leading to protests from Christian residents.
• Eidgah Ground in Bengaluru: The Waqf Board asserted its claim over the Eidgah ground in Bengaluru, stating its Waqf status dates back to the 1850s.
• Islands in Bet Dwarka: The Waqf Board attempted to claim ownership over two islands in Bet Dwarka, a petition that the Gujarat High Court found perplexing.

Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the 1995 Act governing Waqf properties. The government has stated that the amendments aim to improve the management of Waqf properties in the country.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes changes to the Waqf Act of 1995, including the inclusion of non-Muslims and women in Waqf Boards. The opposition views this as interference in religious freedom, while the government considers it a step toward transparency. BJP, JDU, and TDP support the bill, while Congress, SP, TMC, DMK, and AIMIM oppose it. The government holds a strong position in the Lok Sabha, but a clash in the Rajya Sabha is expected.

Waqf Amendment Bill Passed in Lok Sabha

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed in the Lok Sabha after a heated debate. The opposition strongly protested, calling it interference in Muslim religious matters. During voting, 288 MPs supported the bill, while 232 voted against it. The bill will now be presented in the Rajya Sabha today.

Proposed Amendments in the Bill

• Inclusion of non-Muslims and women in Waqf Boards.

• District Magistrates (Collectors) to be given authority to survey Waqf properties.

• Decisions of Waqf Tribunals can be challenged in High Courts.

Debate Over the Bill

The opposition and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) see the bill as a threat on religious freedom. They argue that it will weaken Waqf properties and increase government control.

Waqf Bill 2024: 10 Key Updates

Who Supports the Bill?

• BJP and NDA allies (JDU, TDP) support the bill.

• NDA in Bihar has announced its decision to vote in favor.

Who Opposes the Bill?

• Congress, RJD, TMC, DMK, AIMIM, SP, and AIMPLB strongly oppose the bill.

• Opposition leaders have pledged to vote against it in Lok Sabha.

• AIMPLB claims it violates Articles 14, 25, and 26, which guarantee religious freedom.

Parliamentary Equations

• NDA holds 293 MPs in Lok Sabha, securing an easy victory.

• Opposition INDIA alliance has 233 MPs, falling short in numbers.

• Rajya Sabha remains a challenge for the government, with NDA holding 115 MPs.

Future Political Strategy

With a clear majority in Lok Sabha, the government successfully passed the bill. However, a fierce political battle is expected in Rajya Sabha. The opposition is preparing for intense protests over the issue.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has triggered a major parliamentary debate. While the government sees it as a reform measure, the opposition calls it an attack on religious freedom. The coming days will determine the bill’s fate in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.