2014 Waqf Properties Eviction Bill Officially Withdrawn by Government

New Delhi: The Indian government took a significant legislative step on Thursday by withdrawing the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014, in the Rajya Sabha. The bill, which had been introduced nearly a decade ago, was designed to create a legal framework for the eviction of unauthorised occupants from waqf properties, ensuring these properties could be utilized for their intended religious or charitable purposes.

Initially presented in the Rajya Sabha on February 18, 2014, by then-Minority Affairs Minister K Rahman Khan, the bill sought to empower waqf boards with the necessary legal mechanisms to reclaim waqf properties from those who had occupied them without authorization. The bill was seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the interests of waqf properties, which are dedicated to religious or philanthropic causes in the Muslim community.

Following its introduction, the bill was sent to the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice on March 5, 2014, for further examination. However, despite its initial momentum, the bill languished for years without further progress, leading to the government’s recent decision to withdraw it altogether.

The withdrawal of the bill indicates a shift in the government’s approach to handling issues related to waqf properties and raises questions about what new strategies or frameworks might be implemented to address the challenges of unauthorised occupancy. This decision highlights the ongoing complexities in legislating matters that intersect with religious and charitable trusts, particularly those managed by waqf boards. As the government reconsiders its approach, the future of waqf property management remains uncertain, with stakeholders awaiting new proposals to address these long-standing issues.