Union government reports 994 Waqf properties illegally encroached nationwide, Tamil Nadu tops list

No land given to Waqf board by Centre since 2019, Centre informs Parl

The Union government informed Parliament that a total of 994 Waqf properties across India have been reported as illegally encroached or alienated, with Tamil Nadu accounting for the highest number at 734. The data was shared in a written response by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to a set of questions posed by CPI(M) lawmaker John Brittas.

The extent of Waqf properties in India

The ministry reported that India has 872,352 immovable and 16,713 movable Waqf properties registered under the Waqf Act, based on data from the Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI) portal.

Minister Rijiju explained that alienated properties refer to Waqf lands or assets that have been unlawfully transferred, encroached upon, or sold through fraudulent means.

Legal framework for Waqf property protection

Highlighting legal safeguards, Rijiju cited Sections 51(1-A) and 52 of the Waqf Act:

• Section 51(1-A): Declares any sale, gift, exchange, mortgage, or transfer of Waqf property as void from the beginning (void ab initio).
• Section 52: Grants Waqf Boards the authority to reclaim alienated properties by sending a requisition to the relevant district collector to take possession and return the property to the Board.

State-wise breakdown of encroachments

Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of alienated Waqf properties at 734, followed by:

• Andhra Pradesh: 152
• Punjab: 63
• Uttarakhand: 11
• Jammu and Kashmir: 10

The remaining properties are scattered across other states and union territories.

Land allocation and pending legislative action

In a related query, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs clarified that no land has been provided by the Central government to the Waqf Board since 2019. Minister of State Tokhan Sahu attributed this to the land being a state subject, limiting central oversight.

Additionally, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced in August has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by senior BJP lawmaker Jagdambika Pal. The committee has been granted an extension until the last week of the Budget Session next year to submit its findings and recommendations.

The government’s disclosure has sparked renewed discussions about strengthening the legal framework to protect Waqf properties, curb illegal encroachments, and ensure stricter enforcement of property rights.

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