The Lok Sabha has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The House also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, stating that it only concerns Waqf properties and does not affect religious practices. He emphasized that the Bill aims to make Waqf Boards more inclusive and secular by including different Muslim sects and women in their management. Rijiju also accused the opposition of misleading people and said past amendments in 2013 allowed misuse of laws to declare lands as Waqf properties.
Opposition Reactions
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi argued that the Bill is unconstitutional and aims to defame minorities.
Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of using the Bill for political gains, saying it diverts attention from issues like price rise and unemployment.
TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee called the Bill arbitrary and said it restricts the rights of Muslims.
DMK MP A Raja said the Bill is unconstitutional and harms the Muslim community.
Government’s Defense
Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that non-Muslims will not be involved in Waqf management and that the Bill does not interfere with religious practices. He blamed the Congress for past amendments that led to land mismanagement.
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Bill ensures transparency and gender justice by mandating the inclusion of women in Waqf boards.
TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti supported the Bill, saying it would help properly utilize Waqf properties worth ₹1.2 lakh crore.
JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the Bill is meant to bring fairness and transparency in Waqf property management.
Some opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party’s Mohibbulah and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant, raised concerns about the Bill reducing the autonomy of Waqf Boards and lacking proper discussions in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Despite strong opposition, the government assured that the Bill is focused on proper management of Waqf properties and does not intend to harm any community.
Advantages of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill
Better Management of Waqf Properties
The bill aims to stop misuse and illegal claims on Waqf properties.
It ensures that Waqf land is used properly for the benefit of the community.
More Transparency and Accountability
The bill makes sure that rules are clear, and properties are managed fairly.
It prevents people from declaring any land as Waqf property without proper checks.
Involvement of Women and Different Muslim Sects
For the first time, women and representatives from different Muslim communities will be included in Waqf Boards.
This makes Waqf management more inclusive and fair.
Stops Political Misuse of Waqf Properties
In the past, some Waqf properties were transferred unfairly.
The new law ensures that such wrong practices are stopped.
No Impact on Religious Practices
The government has assured that the bill does not interfere with religious activities.
It only focuses on how Waqf properties are managed.
Economic and Social Benefits for Muslims
Waqf properties are worth ₹1.2 lakh crore but have not been fully used for community welfare.
The bill ensures these properties help in education, healthcare, and social upliftment.
Prevents Corruption and Land Grabbing
The bill stops land mafias and corrupt officials from illegally taking over Waqf properties.
It introduces better legal protection for these lands.
In short, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to protect, manage, and use Waqf properties effectively for the welfare of the community while ensuring fairness and transparency.
Disadvantages of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill
Reduces the Autonomy of Waqf Boards
Some people believe the bill gives too much power to the government to control Waqf Boards.
This may reduce the independence of the boards in managing Waqf properties.
Possible Violation of Minority Rights
Critics say the bill interferes with the rights of the Muslim community.
They argue that Waqf properties should be managed by Muslims without government interference.
Concerns About Political Motives
Some opposition leaders claim that the bill is being used for political gains.
They believe it is a distraction from bigger issues like inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
Fear of Government Taking Control of Waqf Land
Some worry that the bill could allow the government to take over valuable Waqf lands in the name of “better management.”
This might lead to less land being available for religious and social welfare.
Lack of Proper Discussion Before Passing the Bill
Some MPs, like Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena UBT), said that there was not enough discussion on each section of the bill.
This raises concerns that the bill was passed too quickly without full consultation.
Legal Challenges and Uncertainty
Critics argue that the bill may violate constitutional rights and could be challenged in court.
There is also confusion about how some rules will be applied in practice.
Concerns About Non-Muslim Involvement
Even though Amit Shah assured that non-Muslims won’t manage Waqf Boards, some fear that loopholes in the law might allow indirect control.
This has created distrust among some sections of the community.
What is Waqf ?
Waqf (pronounced wukf) is an Islamic charitable trust where a person donates property, land, or money for religious, educational, or social welfare purposes. Once a property is declared as Waqf, it cannot be sold, inherited, or transferred and must be used for the benefit of the community forever.
(The Eastern Times strives to provide balanced and unbiased news to its readers)
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