Call for Waqf Land Audit: VHP and Government Officials Address Encroachment Concerns

VHP leader Surendra Jain urges a government audit of land under the Waqf Board due to alleged illegal encroachments. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stresses timely verification of properties to avoid disputes. Delhi High Court dismisses PIL on waqf property ownership, stating it was not filed in public interest.

In a significant development, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Surendra Jain has called upon the government to initiate an extensive audit of lands under the control of the Waqf Board. Jain highlighted concerns over purported illegal encroachments and underscored the urgency for administrative measures to identify the rightful owners of these properties.

Earlier, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the pressing need for timely registration of numerous properties yet to be listed on the official UMEED portal. He warned that delays in the verification process could lead to long-drawn ownership disputes, urging collaborative efforts from senior officials, state ministers, and department representatives.

The issue of Waqf land encroachments came to the fore recently when the Delhi High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging a decades-old notification from the Delhi Waqf Board. The court concluded that the petition lacked bona fide intent, highlighting complexities in ownership claims related to notable Delhi properties.