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Centre Notifies Unified Waqf Board Rules, 2025: A Step Towards Transparent and Digital Waqf Governance
- Expert Jurist
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Date: July 4, 2025
Author: Expert Jurist LLP
Waqf board rules
The Union Government, in a significant move aimed at reforming and streamlining the management of Waqf properties across India, has notified the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025. These rules were framed in exercise of the powers under the newly inserted Section 108B of the Waqf Act, 1995, pursuant to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into force on April 8, 2025.
This legal reform introduces a centralized digital portal, new registration protocols, structured audits, and accountability mechanisms for the management of Waqf properties nationwide.
Key Highlights of the Waqf Rules, 2025
National Portal and Digital Database
A dedicated Waqf Portal will serve as the backbone of this reform:
Each waqf and its respective properties will be assigned a unique identification number.
The portal will be supervised by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs (Waqf Division).
State Governments must appoint a Joint Secretary-level Nodal Officer and establish centralized support units to assist in data entry, registration, audit, and other compliance functions.
Mandatory Mutawalli Enrolment
Mutawallis (managers of Waqf) are now required to:
Enrol through OTP-based authentication via mobile number and email.
Upload complete details of the Waqf and its associated properties onto the portal.
Survey and Gazette Publication
After completing the Waqf survey, each State Government must:
Publish a list of Auqaf specifying boundaries, usage, details of the waqif (creator), purpose of the waqf, current management, etc.
Upload the list to the national portal within 90 days of its gazette publication.
Registration of New Waqfs
Any waqf created after April 8, 2025, must be:
Registered with the State Waqf Board under Section 36 within three months of its creation.
Welfare Provisions
The rules now include:
A framework for maintenance of widows, divorced women, and orphans from Waqf income, bringing a strong social justice component to the legal framework.
6.Audit and Financial Management
Detailed provisions have been introduced to ensure:
Proper maintenance of accounts, regular audits, and systematic upkeep of registers.
Designated officers must complete inquiries into wrongful declarations of Waqf property within one year from the reference made by the District Collector.
Pending Legal Challenge
It is important to note that the Supreme Court of India has reserved its orders in petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, seeking a stay on its implementation. Until a judgment is pronounced, the Rules remain enforceable.
Conclusion
The Unified Waqf Rules, 2025 represent a progressive leap toward transparency, accountability, and digitization in the management of waqf properties in India. These rules are expected to eliminate ambiguity, reduce misuse, and empower the waqf administration at both central and state levels.
Expert Jurist LLP continues to monitor developments related to waqf and minority law governance. Our firm offers advisory and litigation services related to waqf property disputes, mutawalli appointments, compliance with Waqf Board guidelines, and property registration issues.
Download: waqf board rules
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