India: Centre Notifies Unified Waqf Management Rules, 2025
India: Centre Notifies Unified Waqf Management Rules, 2025
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The Indian government has notified the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025, to implement provisions of the recently amended Waqf legislation, Muslim Mirror reported. These rules cover various aspects including the creation and maintenance of a centralized portal and database for Waqf properties, as well as audit and account management.
Under the new rules, each Waqf property will be assigned a unique identification number generated automatically by the portal, facilitating better tracking and monitoring. Mutawallis (custodians) are required to register properties on the portal using their mobile number and email address. Complaints regarding wrongful declaration of Waqf properties must be investigated by government officers within one year of referral by the District Collector.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs will oversee the portal’s operation through a Joint Secretary, while state governments will appoint Joint Secretary-rank nodal officers to coordinate with the central support unit. Following this notification, a committee of retired law officers and experts will draft model rules for states to adapt.
The rules aim to operationalize the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed by Parliament in April, which seeks to improve regulation and management of Waqf properties. The Act has faced petitions challenging some provisions, with the Supreme Court currently reviewing the matter. The Union government plans to present the rules in the upcoming Monsoon session starting July 21.
