Why did SC decline to extend Waqf registration deadline?
The Supreme Court has refused to extend the six-month deadline for registering Waqf properties under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The court directed applicants to approach the Waqf Tribunal for any further time to upload their property details on the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) portal. "Since a remedy for the applicants is already available before the Waqf Tribunal, they may seek the same by December 6," the court noted, according to ANI.
Existing remedy under 2025 Act
The decision comes just days before the December 6 cut-off date, putting pressure on property holders to use the statutory mechanism provided by the amended law. The petitioners highlighted problems linked to the digitization of Waqf property records, technical errors on the portal, and potential delays in the Tribunal's ability to consider applications before the deadline lapses. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih stressed that an adequate remedy is available under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Concerns over procedural hurdles
Among the petitioners, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi raised concerns about procedural hurdles in timely registrations. Additionally, senior advocates A M Singhvi and Kapil Sibal highlighted technical glitches on the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal. They argued that these issues hinder digitization efforts for Waqf property records before the deadline.
Court acknowledges technical challenges, directs tribunal approach
The court recognized the possibility of genuine technical challenges but insisted that relief should be sought from the Tribunal. Justice Masih said, "If the time freezes (in the Portal), you cannot be held responsible." However, he clarified that applicants must file their representations before December 6 and document any portal issues encountered.
Next steps for property-holders under amended law
With the Supreme Court's ruling, property-holders must now approach the Waqf Tribunal for relief under the amended law. They need to document technical issues faced on the UMEED portal and seek clarifications from the Tribunal directly. The court's decision underscores that seeking redress through statutory channels is paramount, leaving no room for extending deadlines without legislative or administrative intervention.