Panel seeks details of Waqf properties

The parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sought details from state governments about the veracity and updated details of Waqf properties, which they had occupied in an unauthorised manner according to the Sachar committee.

Sources said the panel has noted that there were 316 such properties in Delhi, 60 in Rajasthan, 42 in Karnataka, 53 in MP, 60 in UP and 53 in Odisha. The parliamentary committee has also sought details of properties claimed by Waqf boards exercising Section 40 of the Waqf Act.

An Amendment effected during the UPA government’s tenure in 2013, Section 40 gave Waqf boards the power to decide if any property belongs to the Waqf or not.

Andhra govt dissolves board

• The Andhra Pradesh Government has dissolved the state Waqf Board to “promote good governance, safeguard Waqf properties, and ensure that the board operates efficiently”.
• The CEO of the AP State Waqf Board informed the government that the board had been “non-functional for an extended period”, and there were writ petitions “questioning the legality of the order” constituting the board.