One Telangana BJP MLA has stated that the new Waqf Amendment Act will put an end to "land jihad," a term generally used to refer to the alleged misuse of Waqf properties for unauthorized purposes. This comes after President Droupadi Murmu assented to the bill, which seeks to bring greater transparency and accountability to Waqf property management.
The Waqf Act, enacted in 1995, regulates the administration of Waqf properties—immovable or movable property dedicated for religious, pious, or charitable causes under Muslim law.
The amendment attempts to tackle problems such as mismanagement and encroachments by implementing tighter registration procedures and technological incorporation for improved record-keeping.
The Waqf boards administer more than 9.4 lakh acres of land in 8.7 lakh properties worth about ₹1.2 lakh crore, making them among the largest landowners in India. The new law makes it clear that no genuine Waqf properties will be taken over and that only voluntarily dedicated assets as Waqf are included.
Opponents believe the bill can result in government takeover of Waqf boards, damaging community management. But it is viewed by its supporters as a step to avoid unauthorized use of land and ensure Waqf properties are used for the purpose they were intended, like for supporting mosques, madrasas, and orphanages.
The statement made by BJP MLA is in consonance with the larger narrative that the new law will act to prevent Waqf lands being misused, which according to some, has been used for unauthorized uses. Although the law is expected to enhance governance, its impact on community relationships and property handling needs to be witnessed.
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