The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : In a significant legislative move, Parliament on Friday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod in the early hours after an intense 12-hour-long debate. The Bill was cleared with 128 members voting in favour and 95 against, following its earlier approval in the Lok Sabha.
The legislation aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, safeguard heritage sites, promote social welfare, and enhance transparency in governance. It also introduces inclusive reforms in the composition of Waqf Boards and seeks to improve the socio-economic status of Muslim women, especially widows and divorcees.
Replying to the debate, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the Bill benefits crores of poor Muslims and does not affect ownership of Waqf properties. He said the Narendra Modi government follows the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and aims to bring marginalized Muslim communities into the mainstream. The Minister added that suggestions from the Joint Parliamentary Committee were incorporated, ensuring representation from various Muslim sects while maintaining a secular framework. He clarified that non-Muslim representation in Waqf bodies would be limited—a maximum of four in the 22-member Central Waqf Council and three in the 11-member Waqf Board.
The Bill sparked sharp opposition. Congress MP Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain called it divisive and accused the BJP of communal polarization. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the opposition was misleading the public. DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, TMC’s Nadimul Haque, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, and RJD’s Manoj Kumar Jha also voiced concerns over its constitutional validity and alleged targeting of a particular community.
In contrast, JD(S) leader HD Devegowda supported the Bill, citing misuse of Waqf assets by influential individuals. BJP leaders, including Sudhanshu Trivedi and Radha Mohan Das, defended the move as pro-poor and pro-reform. AIADMK’s Dr. M Thambidurai welcomed the proposed structural changes in Waqf governance.
Meanwhile, Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, to align the legal framework with current administrative practices.
The passage of both Bills marks a significant shift in Waqf property governance, though political and public discourse around their implications is likely to continue.
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