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Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 Passed: A Turning Point in Waqf Property Reforms in India
Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 Passed : In a major development, the Indian Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, bringing significant changes to how Waqf properties are managed across the country. The bill, which aims to increase transparency and curb corruption, has sparked both praise and criticism from various political parties, social groups, and the general public.
What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025?
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 seeks to amend the existing Waqf Act to improve the administration and transparency in the management of Waqf properties—charitable Islamic endowments often used for religious, educational, and social welfare purposes.
Parliament Approval and Voting Results
The bill was passed with a majority in both houses:
- Lok Sabha: 288 votes in favor, 232 against
- Rajya Sabha: 128 votes in favor, 95 against
The bill now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become law.
Key Features of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025
Here are the most important changes the bill introduces:
1. Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members
For the first time, non-Muslim members will be included in the Central Waqf Council. The government says this move promotes diversity and transparency.
2. Government Role in Property Disputes
The bill gives the central and state governments authority to determine ownership in case of disputes involving Waqf land. This provision aims to resolve long-pending cases and misuse of land.
3. Stronger Oversight
The bill promises stricter oversight of Waqf Boards and their activities to curb alleged corruption and mismanagement.
Why the Government Supports the Bill
PM Modi Calls It a “Watershed Moment”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the bill as a “historic step” to bring justice to poor and backward Muslims, especially Pasmanda Muslims. He emphasized the need for transparency in religious land management.
Kiren Rijiju: For Accountability, Not Against Religion
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill, said its purpose is to ensure accountability, efficiency, and transparency, not to interfere with religious matters.
Why the Opposition is Against It
Despite the government’s claims, opposition parties have raised serious concerns:
- Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress) said the bill is divisive and could allow the government to take over Waqf properties.
- Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena UBT) questioned the government’s sudden concern for Muslim welfare, saying, “Even Jinnah never showed such concern.”
- Manoj Jha (RJD) warned that the bill may harm Hindu-Muslim unity in India.
Political Fallout: JD(U) Leaders Resign
The bill’s passage also led to internal protests within Janata Dal (United). Two senior leaders, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik and Mohammad Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, resigned from the party after it supported the bill, saying it betrayed the trust of secular-minded Muslims.
Legal Challenge in the Supreme Court
The Congress Party, along with DMK and other opposition members, has announced plans to challenge the bill’s constitutionality in the Supreme Court of India. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “We will use every platform to protect the Constitution.”
What Does This Mean for India?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has become a flashpoint in national politics. Supporters say it will finally bring long-overdue reforms to Waqf land management. Critics argue it could hurt minority rights, and some fear it may pave the way for the sale or misuse of Waqf land for commercial purposes.
Conclusion
Whether seen as a reform for transparency or a threat to religious freedom, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 is undoubtedly a game-changing law. The final verdict may now rest with the Supreme Court, but one thing is clear—this bill has reshaped the national conversation around religious land, minority rights, and secularism in India.
Keywords
- Waqf Amendment Bill 2025
- Waqf properties in India
- Parliament passes Waqf bill
- Modi government waqf reform
- Opposition protests Waqf Bill
- Muslim land rights in India
- Supreme Court Waqf Bill challenge
- JD(U) leaders resign over Waqf Bill
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