The recent controversy surrounding the Maharashtra Waqf Board’s appointment of new trustees for Mumbai’s Minara Masjid amid allegations of illegal property transfers has once again highlighted the deep-rooted corruption within Waqf institutions. According to reports, the Maharashtra Waqf Board appointed new trustees for the Minara Masjid even as allegations of illegal transfer of Waqf properties surfaced. This decision has raised serious concerns about how Waqf properties- donated for religious, charitable, and community welfare purposes- are mismanaged and often misused. The case of Minara Masjid is not an isolated incident. Across the country, several Waqf boards have faced allegations of mismanagement, unauthorized land sales, and lack of financial transparency.
Despite the existence of the Waqf Act, 1995, which aims to regulate and protect Waqf properties, loopholes in the law, lack of enforcement, and political interference have enabled widespread corruption. The Minara Masjid case brings to light the urgent need for reforms to ensure that Waqf assets are safeguarded and used for their intended purposes. The Waqf Board’s decision to appoint new trustees without addressing the allegations of illegal property transfers indicates a serious governance failure. Many Waqf boards operate with minimal transparency, and financial records are often inaccessible to the public. Waqf properties, which include mosques, graveyards, educational institutions, and community welfare centers, are frequently encroached upon or illegally sold to private entities. The absence of strict monitoring mechanisms allows such encroachments to continue unchecked. Waqf boards are often influenced by political interests, leading to appointments and decisions that prioritize personal gains over community welfare.
The lack of an independent regulatory mechanism exacerbates the problem. Despite owning vast assets, Waqf boards fail to generate sufficient revenue for the Muslim community’s socio-economic development due to mismanagement and corruption. Instead of utilizing these resources for education, healthcare, and employment programs, many boards are embroiled in legal disputes over misappropriated lands.
The Minara Masjid case underscores the necessity for legal and structural reforms to ensure the effective management of Waqf properties. Establishing an independent Waqf Regulatory Authority with financial and administrative autonomy can help curb corruption and ensure compliance with laws. A centralized digital database of all Waqf properties, including ownership details, financial records, and lease agreements, should be created and made accessible to the public. The law should mandate severe penalties for illegal property transfers and misuse of Waqf assets. Fast-track courts should be established to resolve disputes efficiently. Empowering local communities, scholars, and independent auditors to participate in Waqf board decisions can enhance transparency and ensure that properties serve their rightful purpose. Waqf properties should be actively utilized for building schools, hospitals, skill development centers, and other welfare initiatives, rather than being mismanaged or illegally transferred.
The corruption allegations against the Maharashtra Waqf Board in the Minara Masjid case are not just about one institution- they reflect the broader crisis in Waqf management across India. Without urgent legal and administrative reforms, Waqf properties will continue to be vulnerable to misuse, depriving the Muslim community of essential resources for education and socio-economic development. Strengthening Waqf laws is not just a necessity but a moral and legal imperative to uphold the sanctity of these religious endowments.
- Resham Fatima, Masters in International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University