The fire, which spread across seven of eight buildings in the Wang Fuk Court complex, displaced roughly 4,600 residents, many of whom have since been living in temporary housing across the city. Officials have allowed controlled access for residents to inspect their homes and recover belongings, with visits scheduled through early May.

Among those returning is 78-year-old Keung Mak, who lived in his apartment for more than four decades. He said he expected to find little remaining after seeing photographs of severe structural damage, including exposed steel reinforcement and debris-strewn floors. His wife, Kit Chan, said most personal items of sentimental value, including family photographs and letters, were likely destroyed.

Authorities have imposed strict limits on access due to safety concerns, typically allowing up to four people per unit for a maximum of three hours, with further restrictions in severely damaged apartments. Many buildings remain structurally compromised, with elevators out of service, posing challenges for elderly residents, who accounted for over one-third of the complex’s population before the fire.

Local officials said more than 1,400 of those registered to return are aged 65 or older. Some residents have undertaken physical preparation to climb stairs in high-rise buildings, where access remains limited.Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

A lawyer involved in an independent inquiry has indicated that most fire safety systems in the complex failed on the day of the incident due to human error, though authorities have yet to release final findings.Residents have reported ongoing psychological distress, with some describing difficulty sleeping and persistent anxiety months after the event.

Others expressed concern about the condition of their properties and the risk of theft following reports of looting, which led to arrests earlier this year.The Hong Kong government has signaled that demolishing the heavily damaged buildings may be more viable than repairs and has proposed buying back ownership rights from affected residents.

The proposal has drawn mixed responses, with some residents questioning whether less-damaged units could be restored.For others, the emotional toll remains a key factor in decisions about resettlement. Some residents from the only building that escaped the fire have indicated reluctance to return, citing ongoing trauma and the proximity to the site where neighbors and acquaintances died.

Authorities have said further decisions on reconstruction and compensation will depend on the outcome of structural assessments and the final investigation report.

These amendments aren’t some grand conspiracy against Muslims—they’re a practical fix for a creaky system.

Across India, the 2025 amendments to the Waqf Act have stirred up a whirlwind of debate. Critics argue they’re a sneaky attempt to chip away at Muslim religious rights, fueling fears of disenfranchisement in places like Haryana—where Waqf properties pepper both city streets and rural fields—and beyond.

Some loud voices with their own agendas have turned up the volume on these claims. But if you peel back the layers, a different picture emerges. These changes aren’t about attacking faith; they’re about practical steps to modernize how Waqf properties are run, cut down on corruption, and stay true to the Islamic values of charity and justice at the heart of the Waqf system.

Let’s separate the rumors from the reality and look at what’s really happening—a push for efficiency and fairness that could benefit communities far beyond India.

One persistent misunderstanding is that Waqf administration is some untouchable religious domain, off-limits to practical reforms. Back in 1964, India’s Supreme Court put that idea to rest in a case called Tialkayat Shri Govindlalji Maharaj vs. State of Rajasthan. The ruling? Managing properties—whether they’re temples or Waqf holdings—is a secular job, not a spiritual one. The 2025 amendments take this to heart, aiming to streamline operations without meddling in religious freedoms.

In Haryana alone, Waqf properties include mosques, graveyards, and commercial spaces, while across India, 8.72 lakh properties cover a massive 38 lakh acres. Last year, these assets brought in just Rs. 166 crore, but the WAMSI portal estimates they could generate Rs. 12,000 crore. The amendments want to bridge that gap, channeling the profits to the poor and marginalized—exactly what Waqf is supposed to do.

Then there’s the notion that Waqf Boards are sacred institutions straight out of the Quran and Hadith, immune to any tinkering. The Kerala High Court in 1993 (Syed Fazal Pookoya Thangal vs. Union of India) cleared this up, pointing out that Waqf Boards are legal creations under the 1954 Waqf Act, designed to manage properties, not oversee religious life.

In Haryana, where mismanagement has left many Waqf assets idle, these changes tackle the problem head-on—think digitized records and stricter accountability—to live up to Islam’s call to support those in need.

The idea of adding non-Muslims to Waqf Boards—up to three out of eleven members in states like Haryana, or four out of twenty-two at the national level—has sparked accusations of religious interference. But rewind to 1965: the Allahabad High Court (Hafiz Mohamed Zafar Ahmed vs. UP Central Sunni Waqf Board) ruled that even non-Muslims can serve as Mutawallis (caretakers), since management isn’t about faith—it’s about competence.

Picture Haryana’s urban Waqf shops or rural lands: bringing in non-Muslim experts in law or administration could root out corruption without touching religious principles. Look at history—non-Muslim-led efforts like the Sachar Committee and Rangnath Misra Commission have delivered real benefits for Muslim communities. This is about professionalism, not overreach.

Some worry that mosques, madrasas, or graveyards—like those in Haryana’s Mewat region—are at risk. That’s simply not true. The amendments apply moving forward and safeguard already registered properties. ‘Waqf by User’ sites—places recognized as Waqf through long-term use—are secure, backed by Islamic teachings in Sur-e-Baqra about honoring written commitments (think Nikahnama). The 2013 rule allowing “any person” to dedicate Waqf is gone, ensuring only Muslim owners can do so, which aligns with Islamic tradition. As for Waqf-Alal-Aulad (family Waqf), the changes stop its misuse—think back to Zamindari-era land grabs—while protecting rights for women, children, widows, and orphans, reflecting Islam’s focus on compassion.

The old system was a mess. In Haryana and across India, Mutawallis often dodged audits, leaving revenue at a trickle compared to what it could be. The amendments up the fines—not jail time—to enforce transparency, swap Survey Commissioners for District Collectors with revenue know-how, and put senior officers in charge of disputes for fairness. They also open the door wider: Section 14 includes Haryana’s backward Muslims, women, and smaller sects in Waqf Board governance, making it more representative.

Wild claims—like Karnataka’s supposed ASI land grab or Haryana’s property disputes—get reined in, aligning Waqf with constitutional property rights under Article 300-A. Dropping Section 108A’s override, which the Sachar Committee flagged as problematic, means Civil and High Courts can step in, tackling a backlog that’s ballooned from 10,000 cases in 2013 to 32,000 today. In Haryana, this could unlock assets for schools or clinics, turning Waqf into a lifeline for communities.

These amendments aren’t some grand conspiracy against Muslims—they’re a practical fix for a creaky system. They stick to secular management, preserve religious purpose, and empower through better efficiency. For Haryana’s Muslims, and others across India and potentially beyond, this could turn neglected plots into engines of progress. Holding onto myths keeps things stuck; facing the facts builds a future worth believing in. Let’s go with the latter.

Whether the bill is truly an infringement on religious freedoms or a necessary step toward greater transparency and accountability in Waqf administration

India’s Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, has ignited widespread debate and strong reactions, particularly within the Muslim community. Many critics argue that the proposed changes pose a serious threat to the sanctity of religious endowments, raising concerns about potential government overreach and the erosion of long-held community rights.

The controversy has fueled protests, social media discussions, and legal debates, with different factions interpreting the bill’s provisions in varying ways.

Amid the uproar, a detailed analysis by senior journalist Harsh Ranjan, published in The Statesman newspaper, sheds light on the actual intent and implications of the amendment. His article aims to cut through misinformation and present a fact-based breakdown of the bill, explaining how it seeks to address longstanding issues of mismanagement, corruption, and land encroachments within Waqf properties.

By offering a balanced perspective, the analysis clarifies whether the bill is truly an infringement on religious freedoms or a necessary step toward greater transparency and accountability in Waqf administration.

The Purpose of Waqf and the Need for Reform

Waqf properties are meant to serve the welfare of the Muslim community, supporting initiatives such as education, healthcare, and religious activities. However, over the years, numerous instances of land grabbing, fraudulent claims, and misuse by politically connected individuals have come to light.

Instead of benefiting underprivileged Muslims—particularly women—Waqf properties have often been exploited for personal gains.

Despite multiple amendments in the past, previous laws failed to address these concerns effectively. The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, is a legislative attempt to correct these issues by ensuring that Waqf properties are protected and utilized as originally intended.

Key Features of the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024

The Bill introduces several crucial measures aimed at transparency, accountability, and legal ownership verification. Below are the major aspects of the amendment:

1. Protection of Waqf Properties Through Digital Record-Keeping

One of the primary concerns with Waqf property management has been the lack of proper identification and record-keeping.

The amendment mandates:

• Digitization of all Waqf properties.
• Prevention of encroachments through better documentation and transparency.
• Swift resolution of disputes related to Waqf properties.

By introducing a digital registry, the bill aims to curb unauthorized claims and fraudulent transactions, ensuring that endowments remain dedicated to their intended charitable and religious purposes.

2. Restriction on Fraudulent Waqf Declarations

A key change is the restoration of the pre-2013 definition of Waqf property dedication. The 2013 amendment allowed any person to dedicate property as Waqf, which led to numerous fraudulent claims. The new amendment:

• Limits Waqf dedication to legal owners of the property who are of the Islamic faith.
• Requires the person dedicating a property to have been practicing Islam for at least five years.
• Mandates verification of ownership before Waqf status is granted.

This measure ensures that only genuine religious endowments are recognized and prevents fraudulent conversions of property into Waqf status.

3. Removal of the “Waqf by User” Clause

Previously, properties could be classified as Waqf based on long-term usage rather than legal documentation. This led to disputes where even government-owned properties were wrongly classified as Waqf.

The amendment:

• Requires formal Waqf deeds for any new Waqf declaration.
• Protects existing registered Waqf properties unless they are in dispute or government-owned.
• Prevents unauthorized claims over public and private properties.

4. Clarification of Muslim Charitable Trusts’ Status

To prevent the wrongful takeover of independent Muslim charitable trusts by Waqf Boards, the bill clarifies that trusts established under separate statutory provisions will not be treated as Waqf properties. This prevents undue interference and ensures that Muslim charitable organizations operate freely.

5. Mandatory Registration of Waqf Properties on the WAMSI Portal

A major administrative issue has been the failure to upload Waqf records on the Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI) portal. The bill makes it compulsory for all Waqf properties to be registered online within six months, ensuring greater transparency and accessibility.

6. Prevention of Wrongful Declaration of Government Properties as Waqf

Several cases, such as the disputed 123 Waqf properties in Delhi and conflicts involving the Surat Municipal Corporation, highlighted the issue of government properties being wrongly classified as Waqf. The amendment:

• Introduces Section 3C, requiring verification by a designated state-appointed officer before government property can be declared as Waqf.
• Ensures that public assets are protected from wrongful appropriation.

7. Transfer of Waqf Surveys to the Collector’s Jurisdiction

To improve efficiency, the amendment shifts the responsibility of pending Waqf property surveys from Waqf Boards to the jurisdiction of the Collector, who will follow state revenue laws for surveys and verification.

8. Strengthening Governance and Accountability of Waqf Boards

State Waqf Boards have long been criticized for corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability.

The amendment includes:

• Mandatory monthly meetings for Waqf Boards to ensure regular oversight.
• Requirement for all new Waqf registrations to be verified by the Collector before approval.
• Omission of Section 40, which previously allowed Waqf Boards to declare any property as Waqf without scrutiny.

9. Stricter Disqualification Criteria for Mutawallis (Custodians of Waqf Properties)

To prevent misuse of Waqf assets, individuals involved in malpractices will be disqualified from serving as Mutawallis. This measure ensures that only responsible custodians oversee Waqf properties.

10. Strengthening Legal Mechanisms for Waqf Disputes

The amendment introduces a structured legal framework:

• Appellate Mechanism: Section 83(9) allows for tribunal decisions to be challenged, strengthening judicial remedies.
• Applicability of the Limitation Act: This prevents indefinite litigation, ensuring timely resolution of disputes.
• Removal of Section 108A: This section previously granted Waqf laws overriding authority over other legal provisions. The amendment removes this, ensuring consistency in legal applications.

A Step Towards Transparency and Reform

India’s Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, brings much-needed reforms aimed at curbing corruption, preventing unauthorized claims, and ensuring better management of Waqf properties. By emphasizing transparency, legal ownership verification, and administrative accountability, the bill seeks to restore the credibility of Waqf Boards while protecting the interests of both the Muslim community and the larger public.

While concerns exist about the bill’s impact, its focus on proper governance and fair property management signals a move towards a more just and transparent system. However, it remains to be seen how effectively the new provisions will be implemented to safeguard Waqf assets for their intended purposes.