Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju today informed the Lok Sabha that around 59 thousand Waqf properties are facing encroachment in the country. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Minister said as per sections of the Waqf Act, the Chief Executive Officer of State Waqf Board has the power to take legal action against unauthorized occupation and encroachment of Waqf properties. He said the Act provides that any sale, gift, exchange, mortgage or transfer of the waqf property shall be void ab initio. The Minister said the complaints relating to various issues relating to waqf properties are forwarded to State Waqf Boards and state governments for appropriate action.