UP Government Challenges Waqf Board’s Illegal Land Claims: A National Model in the Making?
In a landmark development, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that 78% of the land claimed by the Waqf Board in the state actually belongs to the government. The announcement was made during a JPC meeting held in Lucknow under the leadership of MP Jagdambika Pal, where various stakeholders, including representatives of Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards, participated.
The UP government revealed that the Waqf Board claims ownership of 14,000 hectares of land across the state, but official records show that 11,700 hectares belong to the government. This revelation raises serious questions about the validity of the Waqf Board’s claims and its misuse of the Waqf Act of 1995, which has long been criticized for mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
A History of Fraudulent Land Claims
The Waqf Board in Uttar Pradesh is claiming ownership of over 1.3 lakh properties, including prominent sites like the Bada Imamwada, Chhota Imamwada, and The Begum Ka Maqbara in Ayodhya. According to the revenue department, a significant portion of these properties is listed under the Class 5 and Class 6 categories in revenue records, which are reserved for government and Gram Sabha properties.
The UP government clarified that when the Waqf Board stakes a claim on land, the property’s ownership is verified against 1952 records. Only if the records prove the board’s claim, can it request the government to remove encroachments on that land.
This systematic process has unveiled how the Waqf Board has been falsely asserting control over government-owned properties, ASI monuments, and even land allocated to municipal and developmental authorities like the LDA and the Residence Development Department.
UP Government: Leading the Fight Against Waqf Board Abuses
The revelation by the Yogi Adityanath-led government is a bold step in addressing the long-standing issue of Waqf Board overreach. By exposing these fraudulent claims, the UP government is setting an example for other states on how to reclaim public land and curb illegal encroachments.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s approach is clear and decisive. If the UP government successfully retrieves these lands from the Waqf Board, it can also initiate action against illegal seizures of private lands by the same entity. “This could pave the way for comprehensive reforms in dealing with Waqf Board mismanagement across India,” an analyst noted.
The Waqf Board: A History of Abuse and Encroachment
The Waqf Act of 1995 was enacted to regulate Waqf properties, but it has often been exploited by the board to make baseless claims over both public and private lands. These actions not only result in economic losses for the government but also disrupt the lives of individuals and institutions whose properties are wrongfully claimed.
Critics argue that the Waqf Board’s unchecked authority has allowed it to operate like an extra-legal entity, overriding legitimate ownership rights. “The Waqf Board is not just a mismanaged institution—it has become a criminal organization using the law as a shield for land grabbing,” said a legal expert.
A National Model for Reform
The UP government’s efforts could serve as a torch lighting the way for other states to address similar issues. If successful, this model can inspire other states to review and reclaim lands wrongfully claimed by the Waqf Board. The approach can also help in drafting stricter laws to prevent future encroachments and ensure greater transparency in the management of Waqf properties.
The significance of this action cannot be overstated. It’s not just about reclaiming land—it’s about restoring the rule of law and ensuring that no entity, however powerful, can operate outside of legal boundaries.
The Way Forward
The JPC, which has been conducting field visits and meetings across the country, is set to submit its report during the upcoming budget session. This report is expected to highlight key reforms needed in the Waqf Act and provide actionable recommendations to prevent further misuse.
The UP government’s work is already being hailed as a model for other states. By holding the Waqf Board accountable and reclaiming public land, it is setting a new precedent in governance and legal enforcement.
If adopted nationwide, this approach could not only help recover thousands of hectares of land but also deter illegal activities perpetuated under the guise of religious rights. The UP government’s initiative is a reminder that no entity is above the law and that justice when pursued with determination, can prevail.