Waqf Act excludes ancient monuments, archaeological sites

It aims to recover possession of these properties for the waqf or the Board.

Who it concerns: The Bill applies to any person occupying waqf properties without authority or after their permission has expired. It also affects individuals who have erected buildings, structures, or fixtures, or kept goods or animals on waqf properties without permission. The law applies to waqf properties under all auqaf and those administered under the Durgah Khawaja Saheb Act, 1955, across India except Jammu and Kashmir.

What the bill does

• The Waqf Estate Officer is empowered to evict unauthorised occupants and use necessary force if they refuse to comply.
• The Waqf Estate Officer can order the removal of unauthorised buildings, structures, goods, or animals and recover the cost of removal as an arrear of land revenue.
• The Waqf Estate Officer can order the demolition of unauthorised constructions and recover demolition expenses from the person responsible.
• The Waqf Estate Officer can seal unauthorised constructions to prevent disputes or for enforcement purposes.
• Property left on waqf land after eviction or demolition can be disposed of by public auction after 14 days' notice and newspaper publication.

Also in the document

• The Act does not apply to ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The Act can come into force on different dates for different areas or provisions as notified by the Central Government.