Over One-Third of Waqf Properties in Uttar Pradesh Found Illegal, Investigation Underway on High Court's Orders
An investigation into Waqf properties in Uttar Pradesh, prompted by a High Court order, has uncovered irregularities in over 30,000 properties. Many of these properties, recorded as Waqf, include restricted-use lands like cremation grounds, ponds, and government-owned areas, highlighting significant discrepancies in land classifications.
Dec 15, 2024, 12:16 IST
A recent investigation, prompted by the High Court, has revealed that over one-third of Waqf properties in Uttar Pradesh are illegal. Reports from 50 districts indicate discrepancies in approximately 30,000 of the 1.10 lakh notified Waqf properties across the state.
According to the revenue records, only category 1(k) lands can be declared as Waqf or sold. The study reveals that most properties categorized under public and reserved lands, such as barren lands, grazing fields, forest areas, ponds, and cremation grounds, have been registered illegitimately as Waqf properties. These are reserved for public use and are governed by the government, gram sabhas, or other governing bodies.
