The Sachar Committee identified illegal possession of 316 waqf properties in Delhi, 60 in Rajasthan, 42 in Karnataka, 53 in Madhya Pradesh, 60 in Uttar Pradesh, and 60 in Odisha
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill has widened its investigation into state governments’ possession of waqf properties, following up on the Sachar Committee’s report which identified numerous cases of illegal possession.
Chaired by BJP leader Jagdambika Pal, the JPC has requested detailed reports from state governments to verify the Sachar Committee’s findings and further examine the status of properties listed under Section 40 of the Waqf Act. These include properties that Waqf Boards claim as part of their jurisdiction.
The Sachar Committee report (2006) identified illegal possession of 316 waqf properties in Delhi, 60 in Rajasthan, 42 in Karnataka, 53 in Madhya Pradesh, 60 in Uttar Pradesh, and 60 in Odisha. Now, the JPC has asked the chief ministers of these states to investigate the claims and provide comprehensive information about the mentioned properties.
The report highlighted that during 2005-06, various Waqf Boards had flagged the encroachment of waqf properties by government agencies. However, the Sachar Committee itself admitted that its list of waqf properties was incomplete.
The JPC has also directed the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs to gather information from state governments on ongoing legal disputes involving Waqf Boards and government agencies over ownership or possession of Waqf properties. These disputes often stem from ambiguous records or overlapping claims, creating long-standing legal challenges.
“The Sachar Committee report has brought to light numerous cases of encroachment on waqf properties. It is critical to address these issues to ensure justice and uphold the sanctity of waqf properties,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Responding to strong demands from the opposition, the Lok Sabha Speaker extended the tenure of the JPC to the last day of the 2025 Budget Session. The opposition had argued that a thorough examination of the Waqf Amendment Bill requires additional time, considering the complexities of property disputes and the sensitive nature of waqf ownership.
The ongoing inquiry could have significant implications for the management and protection of waqf properties. The Waqf Boards, established to safeguard properties dedicated to religious or charitable purposes, often face challenges such as lack of proper documentation, encroachments, and delayed legal resolutions.
Legal experts believe that if the JPC’s investigation leads to a transparent resolution of disputes, it could strengthen the framework for waqf property management. “The scrutiny of these properties is a step towards addressing historical grievances. However, it must be carried out with fairness and adherence to legal frameworks,” said Advocate Rafiq Ansari, a specialist in waqf law.
The JPC’s findings could serve as a foundation for policy revisions under the Waqf Amendment Bill. The committee aims to address the long-standing issues surrounding waqf property encroachments and ensure that waqf assets are used for their intended purposes.
For now, state governments and Waqf Boards await the outcome of this crucial investigation, which could shape the future of waqf property governance in the country.
