The Central Government has announced temporary relief in the mandatory registration rules for Waqf properties. It stated that mutawallis who have failed to register on the Ummeed Portal will not face any penalty or punitive action for the next three months. The announcement came on the day the registration deadline under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 officially ended.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, said that a large number of Waqf properties across the country are yet to be recorded on the portal. So far, more than 1.5 lakh properties have been registered, while millions remain pending, he added.

Recently, several social organizations and Members of Parliament had appealed to extend the deadline. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the six-month time limit could not be extended.

The minister clarified that those mutawallis or boards requiring additional time may approach the Waqf Tribunal, which, under the law, may grant an extension of up to six months.

“We can provide relief only within the legal framework. For the next three months, no punitive action will be taken. But anyone needing more time must approach the tribunal,” Rijiju said.

The minister also emphasized that the government cannot alter or extend provisions of a law passed by Parliament. “We want to provide maximum relief, but certain decisions are bound by law,” he added.

The Ummeed Portal was launched in June 2025, providing a six-month period for mandatory digitized registration of all Waqf properties. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking an extension of the deadline.