UMEED Act 2025: TMML Alleges Obstruction By People With Vested Interests, Pushes For Justice

The Waq Amendment Act 2025 has evoked a blended response in India with some organisations protesting in opposition to it and a few supporting it. The Tamil Maanila Muslim League (TMML), a Tamil Nadu-based Islamic Organisation representing Muslims, have supported the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Act, 2025. Enacted on February 24, 2025 (Press Information Bureau, 2025), this landmark law seeks to harness the huge possible of Waqf properties-valued at over Rs 9 lakh crore and spanning 9.4 lakh acres throughout 8.7 lakh endowments-to uplift India’s 200 million Muslims and marginalized communities. 

“Grounded in the Quranic ethos of universal charity (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:177), Waqf is a sacred trust intended to serve society. Yet, vested interests driven by self-serving motives are obstructing this reform. TMML stands resolute, exposing their resistance and advocating for UMEED’s full implementation to ensure justice and empowerment,” mentioned TMML leader Ameerul Millat S. Sheikh Dawood.

UMEED Act: A Bold Step Forward

Waqf homes grasp the promise of investment training, healthcare, and welfare projects, however power mismanagement has undermined this possible. The Sachar Committee Report (2006) printed that best 13% of Muslims have the benefit of Waqf revenues because of a loss of duty. UMEED addresses this with: 

* Transparency: Digitized information for 8.7 lakh homes and audits by means of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) (The Hindu, Feb 25, 2025). 

* Inclusivity: Representation for Muslim girls, non-Muslims, and numerous sects on Waqf forums. 

* Justice: Fast-track dispute solution in district courts, with High Court appeals inside 90 days (PRS Legislative Research, 2025). 

* Fraud Prevention: Verified possession for brand spanking new Waqfs. 

* Empowerment: Prioritization of widows, orphans, and divorced girls, with 68% of Muslim girls in Tamil Nadu dwelling beneath the poverty line (NITI Aayog, 2023).

This reform is a lifeline for the people-yet it faces fierce opposition from those that worry shedding their grip on energy.

Why Some Political Actors Oppose UMEED

Ameerul Millat S. Sheikh Dawood says that critics of UMEED cover at the back of claims of defending religion and federalism, however their true purpose is to safeguard private achieve. “State Waqf boards, often controlled by politically connected individuals, have misused Waqf funds for personal enrichment. Reports (The Indian Express, Mar 10, 2025) show these boards fear UMEED’s transparency, which would expose their exploitation of resources meant for the poor. Their defense of “non secular autonomy” is a mask for corruption,” he mentioned.

UMEED’s reforms align with this Islamic idea, making sure Waqf serves the group as supposed, no longer the whims of the corrupt, mentioned the TMML chief.  He additional highlighted some key components:

* Fearmongering Over Non-Muslim Roles:

Some argue that non-Muslim illustration on Waqf forums violates Article 26 (non secular autonomy). This misreads the legislation. The Supreme Court’s Shirur Mutt (1954) ruling permits state oversight of secular facets of non secular institutions-UMEED’s exact focal point. Non-Muslim involvement guarantees equity, reflecting Waqf’s common undertaking. Critics stir communal tensions to care for regulate, to not maintain religion. 

* Distorting ‘Waqf by means of User’ Changes:

UMEED removes “Waqf by user” for brand spanking new endowments to stop fraud, whilst protective present homes. Opponents declare this threatens ancient websites, mentioning the Ayodhya judgment (2019). This is a distortion-UMEED clarifies possession shifting ahead with out changing the previous. Their alarmism is a tactic to mobilize improve. 

* Hiding Behind Federalism:

Detractors argue UMEED oversteps Entry 28 (State List) and federal rules in step with S.R. Bommai (1994). This is a diversion. With 8.7 lakh homes national, Waqf calls for nationwide oversight-state disasters have confirmed expensive. The federalism plea shields native profiteering, no longer state rights.

Supreme Court: Seeking Truth, Not Delay

On April 17, 2025, the Supreme Court took up UMEED’s constitutionality in “In re: Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025”. An period in-between order paused: 

* Denotification or alteration of Waqf homes. 

* Appointments to Waqf forums till May 5, 2025.

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna wondered the Collector’s function in disputes, however TMML trusts the courtroom will see UMEED’s intent: curtailing corruption, no longer curtails religion. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s assurance of compliance indicators the Centre’s dedication.

Tamil Nadu’s Reality Check

Two incidents spotlight the stakes: 

* Vellore (April 2025): 150 households, most commonly Muslim, confronted eviction threats regardless of legitimate titles. UMEED’s transparency will save you such injustices (The Indian Express, Apr 12, 2025). 

* Thiruchendurai (September 2022): The Waqf Board claimed 480 acres, together with a Hindu temple, sparking unrest. UMEED’s removing of Section 40 guarantees honest investigations.

Critics forget about those sufferers, revealing their focal point on energy, no longer humans. Claims of exclusion are unfounded-UMEED’s numerous forums foster accept as true with and align with Digital India.

TMML’s Call to Action

TMML instructed the warring parties of the Act to forestall blocking off reform-embrace duty for the Ummah and all Indians. It instructed the federal government to boost up digitization and fasten WAMSI gaps. “The 9 lakh crore Waqf legacy belongs to the people, not profiteers,” mentioned TMML’s Dawood.