Historic Waqf Bill Passed – A New Chapter in India’s Legislative Journey
On April 3, 2025, India witnessed a significant legislative milestone as the Waqf Bill 2025 successfully passed in the Lok Sabha after an intense 12-hour debate. The bill, which garnered 288 votes in favor and 232 against, aims to reform the management of Waqf properties, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in their administration.
This development has sparked widespread discussions across the nation, with supporters hailing it as a progressive move while critics argue it infringes on religious autonomy.
The bill’s passage marks the culmination of months of deliberation, consultation, and heated exchanges between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc. Introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the legislation seeks to address long-standing issues in the governance of Waqf properties, which are charitable endowments under Islamic law dedicated to religious or social purposes. With the bill now tabled in the Rajya Sabha, its fate hangs in the balance as the upper house debates its provisions.
A Closer Look at the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025
The Waqf Bill 2025 introduces several key changes to the existing Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to modernize the system and resolve disputes over property management. One of the most notable provisions is the removal of the “Waqf by user” clause, which previously allowed land to be classified as Waqf based solely on prolonged use for religious purposes. Now, only properties officially declared or endowed as Waqf will be recognized, a move intended to prevent arbitrary land claims.
Additionally, the bill mandates that donors dedicating land to Waqf must have been practicing Muslims for at least five years, ensuring clarity in ownership. It also safeguards women’s inheritance rights within Waqf properties, addressing gender disparities that have persisted for decades. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies that government-owned land mistakenly recorded as Waqf will no longer hold that status, aiming to reduce conflicts between state authorities and Waqf boards.
The Marathon Debate in Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha debate, which extended well past midnight, was a testament to the bill’s contentious nature. Spanning over 12 hours, the session saw passionate arguments from both sides of the political spectrum. NDA leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, defended the bill as a necessary reform to enhance administrative efficiency without interfering in religious practices. Shah emphasized that non-Muslim members on Waqf boards would serve only in an administrative capacity, ensuring donations are used as intended.
In contrast, opposition leaders, including Congress MP Sonia Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, fiercely criticized the bill. Gandhi called it a “brazen assault on the Constitution,” accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of pushing a divisive agenda to polarize society. Yadav labeled it a political ploy to recover from the BJP’s setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Despite these objections, the bill passed after amendments proposed by opposition members were rejected through voice votes.
Rajya Sabha: The Next Battleground
Following its success in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf Bill 2025 was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on April 3, 2025, setting the stage for another round of intense debate. The upper house, where the NDA holds a slight numerical advantage, is expected to allocate eight hours for discussion. However, the opposition remains determined to challenge the bill, with parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) vowing to take the matter to the Supreme Court if it becomes law.
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Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, while presenting the bill in the Rajya Sabha, urged opposition parties to support it, arguing that it empowers Muslim women and protects the rights of all Muslim sects. He rejected claims of religious interference, stating that the legislation focuses solely on improving Waqf property management. As the debate unfolds, the bill’s outcome in the Rajya Sabha will determine whether it reaches President Droupadi Murmu for final assent.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The passage of the Waqf Bill has elicited mixed reactions from the public and political circles. Supporters, including BJP allies like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United), view it as a step toward fairness and accountability in Waqf governance. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised it as a progressive measure that aligns with the secular principles of the Constitution. Conversely, critics like Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray warned that it could pave the way for government overreach into other religious trusts.
On the streets, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has condemned the bill as “discriminatory” and called for protests if it passes the Rajya Sabha. In Delhi-NCR, police forces are on high alert, anticipating demonstrations as the debate continues. The bill’s passage has also strained political alliances, with two Janata Dal (United) leaders resigning in protest over their party’s support for the legislation.
Why This Matters for India
The Waqf Bill 2025 is more than just a legal reform; it reflects broader questions about governance, religious autonomy, and social equity in India. With over 8.72 lakh Waqf properties currently registered—up from 4.9 lakh in 2004—the stakes are high for millions of stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill will streamline management and curb misuse, while opponents fear it undermines constitutional protections under Article 25, which guarantees freedom of religion.
As India watches the Rajya Sabha proceedings, the bill’s journey underscores the delicate balance between modernization and tradition. Whether it becomes law or faces legal challenges, its impact will resonate for years, shaping the administration of one of the country’s most significant charitable institutions. For now, all eyes remain on Parliament as this historic legislation nears its final hurdle.
FAQs About the Waqf Bill 2025
1. What is the Waqf Bill 2025?
The Waqf Bill 2025 is a legislative proposal to reform the Waqf Act of 1995, focusing on improving the management, transparency, and inclusivity of Waqf properties in India. It passed in the Lok Sabha on April 3, 2025, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
2. What are the key changes in the bill?
The bill removes the “Waqf by user” provision, requires donors to be practicing Muslims for five years, protects women’s inheritance rights, and clarifies that government land cannot be claimed as Waqf property.
3. Why is the bill controversial?
Critics argue it violates religious autonomy and constitutional rights, while supporters say it ensures fairness and prevents misuse of Waqf properties. The inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards has also sparked debate.
4. What happens next after the Lok Sabha vote?
The bill is now under discussion in the Rajya Sabha. If passed, it will go to President Droupadi Murmu for assent to become law. If rejected or challenged, it could face legal scrutiny.
5. How has the public reacted to the bill?
Reactions are divided, with some praising it as a reformative step and others, including Muslim organizations, condemning it as discriminatory, leading to calls for protests and legal action.
