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Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 now a Law: Approved by President


The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has officially become law after receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on Saturday. The Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament after intense debates, marking a significant reform in the management of waqf properties in India.  

Parliamentary Approval Amid Heated Debates  

The Rajya Sabha cleared the Bill early Friday with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. 
Following a marathon 12-hour discussion, the Lok Sabha had already approved it earlier in the week.  

What Does the New Law Aim to Achieve?

The legislation introduces major changes to improve transparency and governance in the waqf system, which oversees vast properties under Islamic endowments. Key provisions include:  

✔ Better management of waqf assets  

✔ Increased transparency in dealings  

✔ Fair representation of Muslim groups on waqf boards  

✔ Protection of heritage sites  

✔ Welfare schemes for marginalized groups, including Muslim widows and divorcees  

Government’s Stand: "A Watershed Moment"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the law as a "historic step" towards accountability in waqf administration. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated:  

"For decades, the waqf system suffered from opacity. This law ensures transparency and safeguards people’s rights."

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the Bill, emphasized that it would benefit millions of underprivileged Muslims without interfering with waqf properties. He highlighted:  

- The Central Waqf Council will now have 22 members, with no more than four non-Muslims to maintain secular representation.  

- The Bill incorporates recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).  

Opposition’s Criticism: "Divisive and Unconstitutional"  

Despite government assurances, opposition parties strongly opposed the Bill:  

- Congress MP Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain accused the government of stoking communal tensions.  

- DMK’s Tiruchi Siva called it "anti-secular" and unconstitutional.  

- TMC’s Mohammad Nadimul Haque argued it violates fundamental rights.  

- AAP’s Sanjay Singh demanded its withdrawal.  

Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the criticism, accusing opponents of spreading misinformation. BJP President JP Nadda defended the Bill, linking it to the UMEED initiative (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) for modernizing waqf governance.  

Mixed Reactions from Political Leaders 

- Former PM HD Deve Gowda (JD-S) supported the Bill, saying powerful individuals had long misused waqf properties.  

- BJP MP Radha Mohan Das claimed past governments neglected poor Muslims, while the current regime aims to uplift them.  

- LoP Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress) urged the government to withdraw the law, fearing constitutional violations.  

- AIADMK’s Dr. M. Thambidurai backed changes in waqf board composition.  

- Minister Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) stressed that the Bill includes all minority communities.  

Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 Also Passed 

Alongside the Waqf Amendment, Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, scrapping the colonial-era 1923 Act deemed obsolete.  

What’s Next?

While supporters believe the law will empower marginalized Muslims, critics fear it may increase government control over waqf boards. As the new rules take effect, the debate over their impact continues.  

With inputs from agencies.

Why This Matters?

- Transparency Boost: Aims to curb mismanagement of waqf properties worth thousands of crores.  

- Political Divide: Reflects ongoing tensions between the government and opposition on minority issues.  

- Legal Shift: Replaces outdated laws with a modern governance framework.  


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