Tamil Nadu has firmly reiterated its refusal to implement the amended Waqf Act, with Minority Welfare Minister S.M. Nasar Shahjahan declaring on Monday, 8 June that the state government will neither enforce key provisions of the legislation nor meet the Centre's deadline for uploading Waqf property records to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal. The announcement was made in Chennai, underscoring the Dravidian Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led government's consistent opposition to the Union law.

What the Minister Said

Shahjahan made the remarks while receiving the first batch of Hajj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia at Chennai International Airport. Addressing reporters, he said the state has encountered significant practical and administrative difficulties in uploading Waqf property details to the centralised digital platform. Tamil Nadu, he added, plans to formally write to the Union government seeking additional time to complete the process.

The minister also confirmed that resolutions opposing certain provisions of the amended Act and related implementation measures are expected to be passed by the state in the coming days — a move that would formalise Tamil Nadu's legislative resistance to the law.

The Non-Muslim Member Provision

Shahjahan particularly objected to the provision in the amended Waqf Act that permits the appointment of a non-Muslim member to the Waqf Board. He stated categorically that Tamil Nadu has not implemented this provision and has no intention of doing so. He noted that the previous state government also did not act on the new Waqf Act, and the present administration would continue that position — signalling a cross-government consensus within Tamil Nadu on the issue.

Broader Context

Tamil Nadu's stance is part of a wider pattern of state-level pushback against the revised Waqf legislation. Several states, particularly those governed by Opposition parties, have raised objections to the Centre's amendments and the digitisation mandate under the UMEED portal. Critics argue that certain provisions — including the non-Muslim board member clause — intrude upon the religious autonomy of the Muslim community. The Centre, meanwhile, has maintained that the reforms are aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties across India.

Hajj Pilgrims and Hajj House Update

The occasion for Shahjahan's remarks was the arrival of a special Saudi Arabian Airlines flight carrying 417 Hajj pilgrims from Medina — the first batch from Tamil Nadu to return after completing this year's pilgrimage. A total of 6,295 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu undertook the Hajj this year, according to the minister.

Shahjahan also reviewed progress on the construction of a new Hajj House near Chennai airport. The facility is estimated to cost ₹40 crore and is expected to become operational by 2027. He said the government is taking steps to accelerate the project to provide improved infrastructure for future pilgrims from the state.

What Comes Next

Tamil Nadu is expected to formally communicate its request for an extension to the Centre and may move resolutions in the state assembly opposing the Waqf Act provisions. How the Union government responds to such a formal challenge — particularly on the UMEED portal deadline — will be closely watched by other Opposition-ruled states navigating the same legislation.