The central government is going to launch the ‘Umeed’ portal on June 6. Its purpose is to promote better management and transparency of Waqf properties. The full name of ‘Umeed’ is Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development. This will be a central portal on which Waqf properties across the country will be registered. According to sources, it will be mandatory to register all Waqf properties within six months of the launch of the portal. Full details of the properties will have to be given on it, such as length, width and geo-tagged location. If the name of a property is registered in the name of a woman, then it cannot be declared a Waqf property. Additional time of two months can be given for registration
The work of registration will be done by the concerned State Waqf Board. If for some reason the registration is not done on time due to technical or other reasons, then an additional time of 1 to 2 months can be given. But even then if the property is not registered, it will be considered disputed and sent to the Waqf Tribunal. The main objective of the benefits received from Waqf properties will be to help women, children and weaker sections. This portal is being launched under the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill was passed after debate in Parliament and was approved by President Draupadi Murmu on 5 April. The Supreme Court reserved the decision on the Waqf Bill on 22 May. On May 22, the hearing of the petitions challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 ended in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had reserved the decision. The petitioners have described the law as against the rights of Muslims and have sought an interim stay. On the other hand, the central government presented arguments in favor of the law. On the last day, the debate revolved around the government’s argument that Waqf is an Islamic concept, but it is not an essential part of the religion. Therefore it is not a fundamental right. Whether Waqf should be seen as a charitable donation separate from Islam or it should be considered an integral part of the religion. On this, petitioners’ lawyer Kapil Sibal said, ‘For the afterlife… Waqf is a dedication to God. Unlike other religions, Waqf is a donation to God.’ Then CJI BR Gavai said, religious donation is not limited to Islam only. Hinduism also has the concept of ‘moksha’. Donation is a basic principle of other religions as well. Then Justice Augustine George Masih also agreed and said, ‘Christianity also has a desire for heaven.’ Highlights of the hearing on May 22… Center’s arguments Petitioner’s arguments 5 petitions were heard in the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has heard only 5 main petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. This includes the petition of AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi. A bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih is hearing. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta is pleading on behalf of the Centre and Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Rajiv Dhawan are pleading on behalf of the petitioners. Why is the Waqf Act being opposed… ——————————————-
Read this news related to Waqf Act too… 14 major changes in Waqf Act, women and non-Muslims will have entry in Waqf Board. After Railways and Defence Ministry, Waqf Board has the maximum land in India. About 9.4 lakh acres. 3 cities like Delhi can be settled in this much land. The Central Government will introduce a bill in the Parliament today to amend the Act related to this Waqf Board. Opposition leaders and a large section of Muslims are against it. Read the full news…
