Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, has made a crucial announcement regarding the registration of Waqf properties across India. The government has decided not to extend the general deadline for registration on the designated portal. This decision was confirmed on December 5, 2025.
Limited Relief for Genuine Attempts
While the main deadline stands firm, the minister introduced a significant concession. A special three-month reprieve will be provided to a specific group. This relief is exclusively for those mutawallis (caretakers of Waqf properties) who made a genuine attempt to register on the central portal but were unable to complete the process due to technical or procedural hurdles.
Path Forward for Unregistered Caretakers
For all other mutawallis who have not initiated the registration process at all, the minister outlined a clear alternative. He stressed that these individuals must now approach their respective Waqf tribunals directly. The tribunals, which are quasi-judicial bodies, will be the designated avenue for these cases moving forward.
Implications and Next Steps
This announcement brings clarity to a process critical for the management and transparency of Waqf assets in India. The government's stance indicates a push towards formalization while acknowledging practical difficulties faced by some. The key takeaways for mutawallis are:
- The standard online registration portal deadline is closed.
- A 3-month window exists only for those with proof of a failed registration attempt.
- All others must now engage with the legal framework via the Waqf tribunal system.
The move is seen as an effort to streamline records and ensure proper oversight of these religious endowments, which hold significant social and economic value.
