Government Offers Three-Month Grace Period for Waqf Property Registration

In a recent announcement, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju declared that the government will not impose fines on mutawallis registering Waqf properties on the 'Umeed' portal for three months after the deadline. This decision comes after requests from various MPs and social leaders for an extension of the December 5 deadline. Rijiju encouraged mutawallis to approach the tribunal for assistance, emphasizing the legal constraints the government faces. With over 150,000 properties already registered, the minister reassured stakeholders of the government's commitment to providing relief while adhering to the law.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 12:17 IST

Central Minister Announces Registration Relief

On Friday, Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, announced that the central government will not impose fines or take strict actions against mutawallis who register properties under the Waqf Act on the 'Umeed' portal for three months following the registration deadline. Speaking to reporters, Rijiju mentioned that several MPs and social leaders had requested an extension of the deadline, which is set for December 5, but the Supreme Court denied this request after a six-month period.

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The minister urged mutawallis to approach the tribunal, as the Waqf (Amendment) Act grants the tribunal the authority to extend the deadline. Rijiju explained that after the enactment of the Waqf law, the 'Umeed' portal was launched, providing stakeholders with a six-month window to register all Waqf properties. Today marks the final day, yet millions of properties remain unregistered. Many MPs and social leaders have approached me to request an extension of this deadline. So far, over 150,000 Waqf properties have been registered on the 'Umeed' portal.

He reassured all mutawallis that for the next three months, no penalties or strict actions will be taken against those registering on the 'Umeed' portal. If you are unable to register, I encourage you to approach the tribunal. The Supreme Court has made it clear that the deadline cannot be extended beyond six months, but the tribunal has the authority to grant an extension of up to six months.

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Rijiju emphasized that while the government aims to provide maximum relief, it is bound by law. He stated, "We strive to offer the utmost relief to our people, but certain aspects are legally constrained. Since Parliament has passed the Waqf Amendment Act, we cannot alter the law." Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court had rejected petitions seeking an extension of the six-month registration deadline for Waqf properties under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench, comprising Justice Dipankar Dutta and Justice Augustine George Masih, suggested that applicants seek relief by filing applications before the Waqf tribunal as per the 2025 Act.