Supreme Court: Waqfs Must Seek Tribunal Approval for More Time to Upload Property Details on UMEED Portal
Court refuses blanket extension, says remedy lies with Waqf Tribunals under Section 3B of amended law
Petitioners cited technical glitches and century-old records; SC directs them to use statutory mechanism
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 01, 2025:
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has directed that Waqf Boards and institutions seeking more time to upload property details on the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal must approach Waqf Tribunals. The Court refused to grant a blanket extension of the deadline, emphasizing that the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 already provides a statutory remedy under Section 3B.
This decision, delivered by a bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih, underscores the importance of adhering to statutory procedures while balancing the challenges faced by Waqf institutions in digitizing centuries-old property records.
Background of the Case
The Centre notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 8, 2025, making it mandatory for all Waqf properties—including those classified as “Waqf by user”—to be registered on the UMEED portal within six months.
Petitioners, including the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, approached the Supreme Court seeking an extension of the deadline. They argued that:
- The portal was launched only on June 6, 2025, leaving limited time for compliance.
- Rules were framed on July 3, 2025, further reducing the effective window.
- Many Waqf properties are over 100 years old, with incomplete or missing records.
- Technical glitches in the portal made uploading details difficult.
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Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented the petitioners, stressing that the six-month deadline was too short given the complexities involved.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The Court made several important observations:
- No blanket extension: The Court refused to extend the deadline itself, noting that the law already provides a remedy.
- Section 3B remedy: Under Section 3B of the amended Act, Waqf Tribunals have the power to extend time in appropriate cases.
- Applicants must approach tribunals: Petitioners were directed to seek relief from respective Waqf Tribunals before the deadline.
- Judicial restraint: The Court emphasized that it cannot rewrite statutory provisions or bypass remedies provided by law.
Justice Datta observed that while the concerns raised were genuine, the appropriate forum for relief was the Waqf Tribunal, not the Supreme Court.
Why the Ruling Matters
This judgment has wide implications for Waqf institutions and property management in India:
- Strengthens statutory process: Reinforces that tribunals, not the Supreme Court, are the first forum for relief.
- Encourages digitization: Pushes Waqf Boards to digitize property records despite challenges.
- Balances accountability and flexibility: Provides a mechanism for extensions without undermining the law.
- Sets precedent: Clarifies that courts will not intervene when statutory remedies exist.
Challenges Faced by Waqf Institutions
Waqf Boards across India manage thousands of properties, many of which are centuries old. Common challenges include:
- Incomplete records: Many properties lack clear documentation of ownership or donor details.
- Technical issues: Uploading large volumes of data on the UMEED portal has faced glitches.
- Manpower shortages: Boards often lack trained staff to handle digitization.
- Legal disputes: Many properties are already embroiled in litigation, complicating registration.
Despite these hurdles, the Supreme Court emphasized that institutions must use the tribunal mechanism rather than seek blanket relief.
Industry and Legal Impact
Legal experts believe the ruling will reshape how Waqf property registration is handled:
- Waqf Boards: Must prioritize digitization and approach tribunals for case-specific extensions.
- Tribunals: Likely to see a surge in applications seeking more time.
- Government: Gains clarity on enforcing deadlines without judicial interference.
- Community stakeholders: Encouraged to preserve historical records for compliance.
Expert Reactions
- Legal scholars praised the ruling for reinforcing statutory remedies.
- Community leaders expressed concern about practical difficulties but acknowledged the need for digitization.
- Policy analysts noted that the decision balances modernization with legal discipline.
Lessons for Waqf Institutions
The case highlights several lessons:
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- Document preservation: Institutions must prioritize preserving and digitizing historical records.
- Use tribunal remedies: Extensions must be sought through Waqf Tribunals, not higher courts.
- Invest in technology: Boards should strengthen IT infrastructure to handle portal requirements.
- Seek professional help: Legal and technical experts can assist in compliance.
Broader Context
The UMEED portal is part of the government’s push to modernize Waqf property management, ensuring transparency and efficiency. By mandating digital registration, the Centre aims to prevent misuse of Waqf assets and improve accountability.
The Supreme Court’s ruling ensures that this modernization drive continues without disruption, while still allowing flexibility through tribunals.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s directive that Waqfs must approach tribunals to seek more time for uploading property details on the UMEED portal is a landmark in balancing modernization with statutory discipline. By refusing a blanket extension, the Court reinforced the importance of statutory remedies while acknowledging the genuine challenges faced by Waqf institutions.
For Waqf Boards, the message is clear: digitize records, use tribunal remedies, and comply with deadlines. For the judiciary, it is a reaffirmation of restraint and respect for legislative intent. And for India’s governance, it is a step toward greater transparency and accountability in managing religious endowments.
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