With Supreme Court hearing still on, scholars and opposition figures say technical hurdles remain, urge non-BJP state governments to stand with Muslims and protect religious rights
NEW DELHI — Even as the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 remains under the Supreme Court scrutiny, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the state with the highest number of Waqf properties registered on the UMEED portal within the six-month window announced by the Union government.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had directed that all Waqf properties across the country be registered on the UMEED portal between 6 June and 6 December. During this period, Muslim communities across states took part in the process in large numbers, despite widespread concern and confusion due to the portal’s technical glitches.
According to media reports and official figures, Uttar Pradesh topped the list in registrations. In the case of Shia Waqf properties, Lucknow recorded the highest numbers, while Barabanki led in registrations under the Sunni Waqf Board. After Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra registered around 62,939 Waqf properties, followed by Karnataka with nearly 58,328 entries on the portal.
However, Muslim scholars and opposition leaders say the figures do not reflect the full picture. They point out that a large number of Waqf properties could not be registered due to technical problems, lack of documents, and limited access to the digital system.
“Many Waqf properties are old and linked to records from the colonial period. Expecting everything to be uploaded in six months is not fair,” said a senior cleric from Lucknow. “This process needs time, trust and cooperation, not fear.”
Leaders from the Muslim community have repeatedly asked the Centre to extend the deadline. They argue that rushing the process, while the law itself is under judicial review, creates anxiety and opens the door to misuse.
An opposition MP said the government’s approach showed bias. “The BJP government is using this law to keep Muslims under pressure,” he said. “Religious freedom of minorities is at risk, and non-BJP state governments must speak up.”
Several opposition leaders have appealed to state governments not led by the BJP to support Muslims on this issue and demand changes. They allege that the law, in its present form, weakens the autonomy of Waqf boards and increases state control over Muslim religious assets.
“The Waqf Act 2025 is being pushed without listening to the community,” said a Mumbai-based Waqf activist. “We are not against transparency, but we are against control and interference.”
The Centre has maintained that the portal will bring clarity and prevent misuse of Waqf land. However, critics say the focus on Muslim properties, while ignoring illegal occupation of religious land by dominant groups elsewhere, shows double standards.
As the Supreme Court continues to hear petitions challenging the law, Muslim groups say they will keep raising their voice through legal and democratic means. “We believe in the Constitution,” a community leader said. “Our demand is simple: justice, time, and respect for our faith.”
