Supreme Court refuses to extend time to register Waqf properties
What's the story
The Supreme Court has asked waqfs to approach Waqf Tribunals if they need more time to upload their property details on the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal. The court's decision comes after a bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih disposed of applications seeking an extension. The applicants had argued that the six-month deadline was too short given recent amendments and technical glitches with the portal.
Legal arguments
Lawyers argue for more time to upload waqf details
Appearing for the applicants, senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the amendment came into effect on April 8, but the portal was launched only on June 6. He also pointed out that rules were framed on July 3 and a judgment was delivered on September 15. "We don't know who the waqif is for waqfs of 100, 125 years old. Without these details, the portal won't accept." Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi also sought more time for compliance.
Deadline extension
Solicitor General emphasizes tribunal's power to extend deadlines
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta emphasized that Waqf Tribunals have the power to extend deadlines under Section 3B of the Act. He said waqfs can seek extensions on a case-by-case basis. However, Sibal argued this would require numerous muttawallis to file separate applications for extensions. The bench clarified that tribunals could be approached in such cases if the portal was functional as claimed by SG Mehta.
Registration deadline
Supreme Court declines to extend registration deadline
The court also heard arguments on digitization issues and compliance with Section 4's survey mandate. Advocate Nizam Pasha argued that the six-month registration period started from the amendment date and ended on October 8. He sought another extension due to practical difficulties. However, the bench declined to extend the timeline, observing that applicants could approach tribunals before the prescribed six-month period ends as per Section 3B(1).
Registration requirement
Waqf Amendment Act mandates registration on digital portal
The case stems from the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which mandates all waqf properties to be registered on the UMEED portal. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board and MP Asaduddin Owaisi have sought more time for compliance with this law. In its interim order dated September 15, the court stayed certain provisions, like the requirement of a five-year practice of Islam for creating waqf and certain powers on property disputes, but declined to stay the provision making registration mandatory.