Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025

Significance of the New Waqf Rules

The Union Government has taken a major step towards reforming and managing Waqf properties in India. It has notified the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025. These rules were established under the newly introduced Section 108B of the Waqf Act, 1995, following the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which became effective on April 8, 2025.

This legal reform aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in managing Waqf properties nationwide. It introduces a centralized digital portal, updated registration protocols, structured audits, and robust accountability mechanisms.

Key Highlights of the Waqf Rules, 2025

A dedicated Waqf Portal will serve as the foundation of this reform:

• Every Waqf and its associated properties will be assigned a unique identification number.

• This portal will be overseen by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs (Waqf Division).

• State Governments are required to appoint a Joint Secretary-level Nodal Officer who will establish centralized support units. These units will assist in data entry, registration, audits, and other compliance functions.

  
  

Requirements for Mutawallis

Mutawallis, or managers of Waqf, now have specific obligations:

• They must enroll through OTP-based authentication via mobile numbers and email addresses.

• They are required to upload comprehensive details of the Waqf and its associated properties onto the portal.

  
  

Following the Waqf survey completion, each State Government must:

• Publish a list of Auqaf detailing boundaries, usage, waqif (creator) specifics, purpose of the Waqf, current management, and more.

• This list must be uploaded to the national portal within 90 days following its gazette publication.

  
  

Conditions for New Waqf Establishments

Any new Waqf established after April 8, 2025, must:

• Be registered with the State Waqf Board under Section 36 within three months of its creation.

  
  

Social Justice Component

The updated rules also include:

• A framework for the maintenance of widows, divorced women, and orphans funded by Waqf income. This brings a strong social justice component into the legal framework.

  
  

Audit and Financial Management Provisions

Detailed regulations have been established to ensure:

• Proper maintenance of accounts, regular audits, and systematic upkeep of registers.

• Designated officers are required to complete inquiries into wrongful property declarations within one year from when the District Collector makes a reference.

  
  

Pending Legal Challenge

It is crucial to be aware that the Supreme Court of India has reserved its orders in petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. These petitions seek to delay the new rules' implementation. Until a ruling is delivered, the rules remain enforceable.

Implications of the New Rules

The introduction of the Unified Waqf Rules, 2025 marks significant progress towards transparency, accountability, and digitization in managing Waqf properties in India. These rules have the potential to eliminate ambiguity, cut down on misuse, and empower Waqf administration at both central and state levels.

Expert Jurist LLP: Your Legal Partner

Expert Jurist LLP is dedicated to keeping track of advancements concerning Waqf and minority law governance. Our firm offers guidance and litigation services associated with waqf property disputes, mutawalli appointments, compliance with Waqf Board guidelines, and property registration issues.

For more detailed information, you can download the Waqf Board Rules here.

📞 For consultations, contact us at: www.expertjurist.com

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