New Delhi: In a significant step aimed at bringing transparency and regulatory clarity to Waqf property management, the government is set to launch a new digital portal called Teenager on June 6. Sources confirm that registration of all Waqf properties across India will be mandatory through this portal, and failure to do so will mark the properties as disputed, with such matters being referred to the Waqf Tribunal.

The upcoming launch follows the Supreme Court’s decision to reserve its verdict on a set of petitions challenging the amended Waqf law. Despite the ongoing legal scrutiny, the Centre is proceeding with the digital registration initiative. The full name of the initiative, Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED), reflects its broader objective of modernizing and standardizing Waqf property records.

According to sources, the new portal will require detailed information for every property, including geo-tagging, dimensions, and coordinates. Properties must be listed with absolute transparency, and any asset held in the name of a woman, or where women are listed as heirs, cannot be automatically declared as Waqf without complete documentation and validation. This measure is intended to protect rightful ownership and prevent misuse of designations.

The responsibility for initiating and completing the registration process lies with the Mutawallior the appointed manager of the Waqf property. State Waqf Boards will oversee the process and offer technical support where needed. Additionally, voter data from the Election Commission will be used to assist in the identification and verification of properties.

The move comes amid political and legal contention around the Waqf Act and its constitutional implications. During recent court proceedings, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai emphasized that legislation passed by Parliament carries an inherent presumption of constitutionality and that judicial intervention would require a clear and compelling reason.

It’s worth noting that mandatory registration of Waqf properties is not a new concept; it has been part of legal frameworks since 1923. The new portal represents a modern implementation of this requirement, promising a digital and standardized way to manage Waqf lands and ensure accountability. As the portal opens on June 6, all eyes will be on how effectively it is adopted and whether it can address the longstanding opacity surrounding Waqf property records in India.