Urgent: No Relief from SC as Waqf Registration Deadline Approaches-Applicants Urged to Seek Tribunal Help!
The Supreme Court has firmly declined requests to extend the six-month window for registering Waqf properties under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. In its recent ruling, the Court directed applicants to seek relief through the Waqf Tribunal rather than extending the deadline, which is set to close on December 6. This decision places the onus on property-holders to utilize the statutory mechanisms established by the new legislation.
Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih, who presided over the case, affirmed that the Waqf Tribunal offers a clear and adequate remedy for applicants. They stated, “Since a remedy for the applicants is already available before the Waqf Tribunal, they may seek the same by December 6, which we are informed is the last date for the registration of property,” as reported by ANI. The justices emphasized that the judiciary cannot intervene when Parliament has expressly created a forum to resolve disputes related to the registration process.
Petitioners raised several concerns during the hearings, arguing that procedural challenges were hindering timely registrations. These difficulties, they claimed, extend far beyond the simple act of uploading information on the UMEED portal. Key issues cited included problems with the digitization of Waqf property records, technical glitches on the portal, and the potential for delays in the Tribunal’s capacity to address applications before the deadline lapses. The petitioners voiced apprehension that by the time the Tribunal resolves these registration complexities, the crucial December 6 deadline may have already passed.
When the issue of technical challenges was brought to the Court’s attention, the justices acknowledged that legitimate problems might occur but reiterated the importance of seeking relief through the Tribunal. They stated, “If the time freezes (in the portal), you cannot be held responsible. If at all the Tribunal allows you, your six months will be counted and your application will be considered. You do not need permission. If difficulty arises, you can always file an application before us.” This response indicated that any technical failures would not adversely affect bona fide applicants, provided they follow the appropriate statutory procedures.
In light of the Supreme Court’s decision, property-holders now face a pressing timeline. With the Court’s refusal to modify or extend the existing deadline, applicants must act quickly, utilizing the Tribunal as their primary route for redress under the 2025 framework. The ruling reinforces the Court’s stance that, unless changed through legislative or administrative action, the current December 6 deadline remains intact, compelling applicants to navigate existing procedures to ensure compliance.
This high-stakes situation emphasizes the judicial system’s reliance on established forums for dispute resolution, placing the responsibility for navigating technical and procedural complexities squarely on property-holders. As the deadline approaches, the urgency for applicants to act becomes increasingly pronounced, highlighting the importance of prompt and informed action in the registration process for Waqf properties.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/supreme-court-refuses-to-extend-waqf-property-registration-deadline-6-december-directs-applicants-to-tribunal-11764574450430.html
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Publish Date: 2025-12-01 13:10:00
