Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 Passed in Both Houses of Parliament Amid Heated Debates, Draws Mixed Reactions

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in both houses of Parliament after intense debates, late-night sessions, and a display of strategic political maneuvering. The bill, which aims to bring reforms to the administration of waqf properties in India, passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favour and 232 against, and in the Rajya Sabha with 128 in favour and 95 against.

Shah’s 12-Hour Parliamentary Presence Pays Off

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s 12-hour presence in both Houses played a key role in ensuring the bill’s passage. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing foreign visit to Thailand, Shah took full charge of the floor strategy. Political experts hailed Shah’s efforts, especially in convincing the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to back the bill in the Rajya Sabha. The ruling government successfully countered the opposition’s strategy and ensured the bill went through as originally planned.

Government Hails Bill as Progressive, Opposition Calls it ‘Brazen Assault’

The BJP-led government termed the amendment a watershed moment and described it as secular, transparent, and inclusive, while the opposition, including Congress, slammed it as a blatant attack on constitutional principles. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi called the bill a “brazen assault” on minority rights.

Key Amendments in the Bill

Removal of Section 40

One of the most debated changes is the removal of Section 40, which earlier allowed Waqf Boards to unilaterally declare properties, including villages and large land tracts, as waqf. This provision had sparked controversies in several states including Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Karnataka, and Gujarat.

Handling Disputes on Government Properties

The amendment mandates that an officer above the rank of district collector will now investigate claims of waqf status on government lands, tackling disputes where government and archaeological lands have been previously classified as waqf.

Women’s Inheritance Rights in Waqf

The bill introduces special protections for female heirs, including divorced women, widows, and orphan girls, in family waqf declarations. It ensures that ancestral properties given as waqf (waqf alal aulad) do not compromise their legal inheritance.

Central Portal and Digital Reforms

A central online portal will be launched for registration, management, audits, and dispute resolution of waqf properties. Mutawallis (caretakers) are required to register all properties within six months, with possible extensions through waqf tribunals.

Accountability and Audits

Institutions earning over ₹1 lakh annually must now get their accounts audited by state-appointed auditors, ensuring greater financial transparency.

Changes to Waqf Tribunals

With over 21,600 pending cases, the bill introduces a structured selection process and fixed tenures for tribunal members. It also brings property claim disputes under the Limitation Act to prevent indefinite litigation.

Representation and Secular Additions

For the first time, two non-Muslim members will be included in central and state waqf boards, a move that has triggered fresh controversy among religious groups.

Reduced Contribution Rate

Waqf institutions will now contribute 5% instead of the earlier 7% of their income to the Waqf Boards, easing financial pressure on smaller trusts and religious institutions.

Looking Ahead

With more than 872,000 waqf properties across India, the amended law aims to establish streamlined governance, technological oversight, and legal safeguards. However, opposition parties have hinted at possible legal challenges, and public discourse remains sharply divided on the long-term implications of the amendments.