Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

On 8th August, 2024, the Centre introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024in the Lok Sabha.

It aims to significantly reform the regulation of Muslim charitable endowments, granting the government increased control over waqf properties and changing the structure of waqf boards.

Key Points

Expanded Government Control: The new bill seeks to replace the Waqf Tribunal's role with that of the District Collector in determining whether a property is waqf or government land.
Revised Waqf Board Composition: The amendment allows for non-Muslim Chief Executive Officers and members on state-level waqf boards, broadening the scope of board appointments beyond the Muslim community.
Elimination of 'Waqf by Use' Concept: The bill removes the concept of "waqf by use," which allowed properties to be deemed waqf based on their usage even if initial declarations were questionable.
Impact on Property Claims: the amendment introduces "adverse possession" for waqf properties, lifting the previous exception to the Limitation Act and enabling squatters to claim rights to waqf lands after 12 years.
Changes to Central Waqf Council: The Central Waqf Council will now include three MPs, regardless of their religion, diverging from the original requirement that these MPs be from the Muslim community.