New Delhi: In a historic and contentious session that stretched into the early hours of Thursday, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 with a vote of 288 in favor and 232 against. The bill, aimed at reforming the management of Waqf properties across India, sparked a nearly 14-hour debate that exposed deep political divides, religious sensitivities, and administrative complexities. As the legislation now heads to the Rajya Sabha for further deliberation, its passage marks a significant moment in India’s legislative landscape.
Caption: Lok Sabha Approves Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025
What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to overhaul the Waqf Act of 1995, a law governing properties dedicated by Muslims for religious, charitable, or pious purposes under Islamic law. Introduced by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on August 8, 2024, the bill underwent scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) before being tabled in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025. Officially titled the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act (UMEED), it aims to modernize Waqf administration, curb mismanagement, and ensure equitable use of Waqf revenues for the welfare of the Muslim community.
Key provisions include:
- Inclusion of Non-Muslims: The bill mandates the appointment of two non-Muslim members to the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, a move touted as promoting inclusivity.
- Practicing Islam Clause: Only individuals practicing Islam for at least five years can dedicate property as Waqf, aiming to clarify eligibility.
- Government Property Disputes: Properties claimed as Waqf but identified as government-owned will no longer be recognized as such, with disputes resolved by a senior officer (above the rank of a district collector).
- Women’s Rights: The bill ensures inheritance rights for women, widows, divorced women, and orphans before a property can be declared Waqf.
- Tribunal Reforms: Waqf Tribunals will now consist of three members (up from two) and allow appeals to High Courts, removing their final authority on disputes.
The Marathon Debate: A Clash of Ideologies
The Lok Sabha debate, which began on April 2 and concluded past 2 AM on April 3, was a spectacle of political theater. With 520 MPs casting votes, the session saw the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fiercely defending the bill, while a united opposition labeled it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.”
Government’s Stance: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Kiren Rijiju led the charge for the NDA. Shah argued that the bill addresses long-standing irregularities in Waqf property management, citing examples like the declaration of temple lands and government properties as Waqf. “You cannot donate someone else’s property,” Shah emphasized, refuting claims of religious interference. He clarified that non-Muslims would not manage religious aspects of Waqf but would oversee administrative compliance.
Rijiju, in his closing remarks, dismissed accusations of unconstitutionality, asking, “If this were unconstitutional, why hasn’t any court struck it down?” He highlighted India’s safety for minorities, stating, “Crores of poor Muslims will thank PM Modi once this bill is fully implemented.”
Opposition’s Counterattack: The opposition, including the Congress, TMC, SP, AIMIM, and DMK, mounted a spirited resistance. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the government of a “4D assault” – diluting the Constitution, defaming minorities, dividing society, and disenfranchising Muslims. He questioned the bill’s origins, noting its absence from Minority Affairs Committee discussions in 2023.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dramatically tore a copy of the bill, calling it a violation of Article 26, which guarantees religious freedom. “If Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs can manage their properties, why not Muslims?” he asked. TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee argued that empowering the state to adjudicate property disputes encroaches on judicial authority, while SP’s Akhilesh Yadav dubbed it a divisive political ploy.
Joint Parliamentary Committee’s Role
The bill’s journey began in August 2024, when it faced widespread criticism from Muslim organizations and opposition parties. Referred to a JPC chaired by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, the committee reviewed over 40 proposed amendments. After 25 meetings and consultations with 300 organizations and 3,000 individuals, the JPC submitted its report in February 2025, incorporating several changes:
- Waqf by User: Clarified as prospective, ensuring existing Waqf properties remain unaffected.
- Collector Replacement: Substituted with a “designated officer” above collector rank for property disputes.
- Tribunal Expansion: Increased to three members with expertise in Muslim law.
The TDP, an NDA ally, secured three amendments, including flexibility for states in composing Waqf boards, while the JD(U) offered unwavering support, dismissing opposition narratives as baseless.
Key Controversies and Clarifications
- Non-Muslim Inclusion: Critics argue this undermines Muslim autonomy, but the JPC and government assert it fosters diversity without affecting religious roles.
- Five-Year Islam Practice Rule: Initially criticized as discriminatory, the JPC softened it to “demonstrating practice,” though opposition MPs like Gogoi questioned its necessity.
- Government Property Claims: The provision to nullify Waqf claims on government land drew ire, with Owaisi citing 17,000 encroachments that could have been addressed under existing laws.
- Retrospective Fears: Shah debunked claims of retroactive application, assuring the law applies only post-notification.
Public and Political Reactions
Outside Parliament, protests erupted in cities like Ahmedabad and Kozhikode, led by groups like the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Muslim Youth League. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board vowed to challenge the bill legally, hinting at nationwide agitations akin to the farmers’ protests.
Within the NDA, the TDP sought state autonomy in Waqf board composition, reflecting regional sensitivities, while the JD(U) accused the opposition of fearmongering. The YSRCP, a former BJP ally, joined the opposition in rejecting the bill.
What’s Next for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
The bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha, where an eight-hour debate is scheduled for April 3, 2025. With the budget session ending on April 4, the government aims to secure approval swiftly. However, the opposition’s strength in the upper house and public backlash could complicate its passage. If approved, the bill will reshape the Waqf administration, potentially reducing litigation and enhancing transparency—or, as critics warn, eroding Muslim rights.
Why This Matters
Waqf properties, numbering over 600,000 across India, generate significant revenue, yet mismanagement has long plagued their administration. The 2025 amendment seeks to balance efficiency with equity, but its polarizing provisions have turned it into a litmus test for India’s secular fabric. As the Rajya Sabha debate looms, the nation watches closely.
FAQ
1. What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 is a legislative proposal to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs properties dedicated by Muslims for religious, charitable, or pious purposes in India. Officially named the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act (UMEED), it aims to improve the administration of Waqf properties, enhance transparency, and ensure equitable distribution of their revenues. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 3, 2025, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
2. Why was the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced?
The bill was introduced to address longstanding issues like mismanagement, litigation, and irregularities in Waqf property administration. The government claims it will modernize the system, reduce disputes over government-owned lands claimed as Waqf, and ensure benefits reach marginalized Muslims, including women and orphans. Critics, however, argue it infringes on religious autonomy and targets the Muslim community.
3. What are the key changes in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025?
Key changes include:
• Mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards for inclusivity.
• A requirement that only individuals practicing Islam for at least five years can dedicate property as Waqf.
• Government properties claimed as Waqf will no longer be recognized as such, with disputes settled by a senior officer (above district collector rank).
• Enhanced women’s inheritance rights before property can be declared Waqf.
• Waqf Tribunals expanded to three members, with appeals allowed to High Courts.
4. Why is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill controversial?
The bill has sparked controversy due to provisions like the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf bodies, which opponents say undermines Muslim autonomy, and the authority given to government officers to resolve property disputes, seen as a violation of judicial power. The opposition calls it “unconstitutional” and “anti-Muslim,” alleging it breaches Article 26 (religious freedom), while the government insists it’s about administrative reform, not religious interference.
5. What happens next after the Lok Sabha passed the bill?
After its passage in the Lok Sabha on April 3, 2025, the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha, where an eight-hour debate is scheduled for the same day. If approved, it will become law following presidential assent. However, with strong opposition and public protests, its fate in the upper house remains uncertain as the budget session concludes on April 4, 2025.
