Current Affairs 5th April 2025

 

It was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024. What is its objective? It aims to modify the Waqf Act, 1995, to address challenges in the regulation and oversight of Waqf properties. The proposed amendments focus on enhancing the administration and ensuring more effective management of Waqf assets across India.

● Overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards by introducing changes such as renaming the Act

● Updating the definitions of Waqf

● Improving the registration process

● Increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records What are the issues regarding the Waqf board? The following are the issues regarding the Waqf board, according to the central government:

● Irrevocability of Waqf properties: The doctrine of “once a Waqf, always a Waqf” has sparked controversies, including claims over islands in the Bet Dwarka, which courts have found to be legally complex and challenging.

● Legal disputes and poor management: The Waqf Act, 1995, and its 2013 amendment have been ineffective, leading to issues such as illegal land occupation, mismanagement, ownership disputes, delays in registration and surveys, and a surge in litigation and complaints to the ministry. ● No judicial oversight: Waqf tribunal decisions cannot be appealed in higher courts, limiting transparency and accountability in Waqf management. Incomplete survey of Waqf properties: Poor performance by the survey commissioner has caused delays, with surveys yet to begin in Gujarat and Uttarakhand, and a 2014 survey in Uttar Pradesh is still pending. Lack of expertise and coordination with the revenue department has further slowed registration.

● Misuse: Some state Waqf boards have misused their powers, creating community tensions. Section 40 of the Waqf Act has been widely misused to declare private properties as Waqf, leading to legal disputes. Of 30 States/UTs, only 8 have reported, with 515 properties declared as Waqf under Section 40.