Following the expiration of the six-month deadline on December 6 for uploading details of Waqf properties on the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UWMEED) portal, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has expressed deep concern over the “unprecedented difficulties” faced by the Muslim community in complying with the law.

SDPI National General Secretary Yasmeen Farooqi urged the central government and state Waqf tribunals to exercise maximum leniency to ensure that no Waqf property is excluded due to technical or administrative failures.

Under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, nearly 870,000 Waqf properties across India were required to be geo-tagged and digitally registered. These properties cover over nine lakh acres and are critical for community welfare.

Farooqi highlighted that timely submissions became nearly impossible due to persistent technical glitches, server crashes, and delays in obtaining historical documents. According to official figures, only 517,000 uploads were initiated nationwide, of which merely 217,000 were approved. She said,
“Despite facing serious challenges, the community has complied in good faith. It is now the duty of the state to respond with justice rather than punishment.”

After the Supreme Court on December 1 refused to grant a broad extension, affected parties have had to approach already overburdened state tribunals for relief. While the announcement by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs of a three-month waiver on penalties has provided some relief for delayed submissions, SDPI said it does not address systemic obstacles. The party warned that this would increase pressure on tribunals and raise the risk of government takeover of unverified properties.

SDPI described the situation as “a new attack on minority rights.” The party had opposed the Act at the time of its passage, arguing that it undermines community autonomy.

The party also referenced the Sachar Committee report, which highlighted the vast social potential of Waqf properties, and alleged that encroachments are due to administrative failures rather than community negligence.

SDPI has called on the central government to immediately:

Simplify tribunal procedures.

Strengthen the infrastructure of the UWMEED portal.

Review the Act to ensure protection of charitable properties.

The party reiterated that it will continue to safeguard Waqf properties through all legal and democratic means.