Revised Waqf Bill may affect over 73,000 disputed properties across India
New Delhi: The amended Waqf Bill, passed in both Houses of Parliament and now awaiting the President’s assent, is expected to impact more than 73,000 disputed Waqf properties across the country. These properties are listed in the Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI), a Central government database that categorises them as encroached, alienated, or under litigation.
India has approximately 8.8 lakh Waqf properties spread across 30 states and Union Territories, many of which face legal and administrative challenges. Waqf properties are charitable or religious endowments made by Muslims and held in the name of God, although they are often used to benefit individuals or institutions.
Uttar Pradesh accounts for the highest number of such properties at around 2.4 lakh, followed by West Bengal, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are the only states with separate Sunni and Shia Waqf boards.
The revised Bill introduces a tribunal system to handle Waqf disputes, including those involving alleged illegal transfers or encroachments. The tribunal will include a District Judge and a senior state official. Many encroachments involve claims by government agencies.
In addition to dispute resolution, the Bill alters the management structure of Waqf properties by changing the composition of state Waqf boards and redefining the role of state governments. Though initially referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament after opposition protests, the final draft includes only the 14 amendments proposed by NDA members. All 44 suggestions from the Opposition were rejected.
More than two-thirds of Waqf properties include graveyards, agricultural land, mosques, shops, or residential buildings. Graveyards alone make up 17.3% of the total. The history of Waqf-related disputes includes landmark cases like the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, which remained under litigation until the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict.
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Woman killed by tenants while collecting rent in Ghaziabad
Ghaziabad(UP) (PTI): A 48-year-old woman was killed allegedly by her tenants when she went to their flat to collect rent, police said on Thursday.
The deceased, identified as Deepshikha Sharma, was killed around 11 pm at Aura Chimera Society, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nandgram Upasna Pandey said.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Deepshikha and her husband, Umesh Sharma, owned two flats in the society, one of which had been rented out to a couple.
She went to the rented flat to collect rent but did not return till late night, raising suspicion.
Her maid, along with neighbours, went to the flat to look for her, following which Deepshikha's body was recovered stuffed inside a red bag from the flat, the ACP said.
Police were informed at around 11.15 pm through the PRV, after which a team reached the spot and arrested the couple, identified as Ajay Gupta (35) and Akriti Gupta (33), she said.
A case was registered and the body was sent for post-mortem examination. Further investigation is underway, the ACP added.
#WATCH | Amethi, UP: On Landlady murdered over rent dispute, UP Women Commission Member Priyanka Maurya says, "... This incident has disgraced humanity. It is saddening and painful to hear about incidents like this. The couple have been arrested, and I believe strict action will… pic.twitter.com/Nj88sbYmHg
— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025
