New Delhi, April 3, 2025: The Lok Sabha today witnessed a significant legislative development with the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025. The bill, aimed at reforming the management of Waqf properties across the country, was approved by a majority of 288 members, while 232 members voted against it.

Simultaneously, the House also granted its approval to the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024, which will lead to the repeal of the century-old Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.

The passage of these bills followed a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day, based on the report submitted by the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, emphasizing that the legislation is solely concerned with the properties managed by Waqf Boards and has no bearing on the religious practices of Muslims.

"This Bill aims to make the Waqf Boards more inclusive and secular," stated Minister Rijiju. He clarified that the legislation does not intend to govern the management of Masjids and is prospective in nature, ensuring that it will not lead to the confiscation of anyone's property retrospectively.

What is Waqf?

A Waqf is an inalienable charitable endowment under Islamic law. It typically involves the donation of a property (such as land, building, or movable assets) by a Muslim for religious, charitable, or pious purposes. Once a property is designated as Waqf, it becomes permanently dedicated and cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited. The income generated from the Waqf property is then used to fund the specified charitable activities, which can include supporting mosques, schools, hospitals, orphanages, and the poor.

Why was it crucial to pass the bill?

The government argued that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 was crucial for several reasons:

• Improved Management and Transparency: The government claimed that the existing Waqf Act had loopholes and was prone to misuse, leading to mismanagement and underutilization of valuable Waqf properties. The new bill aims to bring greater transparency and efficiency in the administration of these assets.
• Inclusivity and Secularism: By mandating the inclusion of different Muslim sects and women in Waqf Boards, the government stated its intention to make these bodies more representative and secular.
• Preventing Misuse: The government alleged that the previous Act was misused to declare any land as Waqf property, potentially encroaching upon private or public lands. The amendment seeks to address this issue.
• Economic Empowerment: With vast Waqf properties across the country, the government believes that their proper management can contribute significantly to the economic and social upliftment of the Muslim community.

Highlighting key aspects of the bill, Rijiju mentioned that the amended law will ensure representation of various Muslim sects and women on the Waqf Boards. He strongly refuted the opposition's claims, accusing them of spreading misinformation about the Bill.

The Minister alleged that certain provisions in the existing Act were being misused to declare any land as Waqf property. He pointed to amendments made during the UPA regime in 2013, which, according to him, gave the Waqf Act an overriding effect over other laws. Rijiju also stated that 123 properties in Delhi were transferred to the Delhi Waqf Board during Congress rule. He assured the House that the legislation was framed after extensive consultations with stakeholders by both the Joint Parliamentary Committee and the government.

Rijiju also raised a pertinent question, stating that despite India having the largest number of Waqf properties globally, the economic condition of Indian Muslims remains poor. Following this, he also moved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.

Initiating the discussion from the opposition, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi vehemently opposed the bill, calling it "anti-constitutional." He accused the government of attempting to weaken the Constitution, defame minorities, and sow division within Indian society. Gogoi also denied Rijiju's claims regarding the transfer of properties in Delhi during Congress rule, asserting that the amendments in the current Act would only exacerbate existing problems.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav echoed these sentiments, alleging that the government introduced the bill to divert attention from its failures on issues like price rise, unemployment, and demonetisation. He questioned the government's intentions behind the legislation, suggesting it was a political move by the BJP to consolidate its voter base and would harm the country's secular fabric.

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee labeled the proposed legislation as "misconceived, irrational, and arbitrary," asserting that it was an attempt to curtail the rights of the Muslim community. He argued that the performance of religious duties should not form the basis of any legislation.

DMK's A Raja also condemned the bill, terming it "unconstitutional and anti-minority" and claiming it would negatively impact Muslims.

Responding to the opposition's concerns, Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that the Waqf Boards would continue to be managed by Muslims, with no provision for the inclusion of non-Muslims in the management of religious institutions. He dismissed the notion that the bill would interfere with the religious practices of Muslims or their donated properties. Shah accused the opposition of spreading misinformation to create fear among minorities for electoral gains. He argued that the current bill became necessary due to the amendments made by the Congress government in 2013, alleging that prime lands in Lutyens' Delhi were given away as Waqf properties for appeasement ahead of the 2014 elections.

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad asserted that India belongs equally to both Hindus and Muslims. He accused the opposition of selectively quoting the Constitution and urged them to consider the law in its entirety, emphasizing that the Constitution supports the government's efforts to protect Waqf properties and uplift marginalized communities. Prasad highlighted the bill's provision for mandatory inclusion of women in Waqf boards to promote transparency and gender justice.

TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti supported the bill, stating that Waqf properties, valued at ₹1.2 lakh crore and spanning over 36 lakh acres, present a significant opportunity for the economic and social empowerment of minorities.²³ He noted that these properties have been underutilized and mismanaged, and the amendments suggested by his party have been incorporated into the Bill.

JD (U) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan) refuted the opposition's claims that the bill is anti-Muslim. He explained that a Waqf is a trust formed for the benefit of Muslims, but the current management has not been equitable. He stated that the legislation aims to bring transparency to the management of Waqf properties and prevent their misuse.

Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbulah alleged that the bill violates the fundamental rights of equality and religion and undermines the autonomy of Waqf Boards.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde announced that the legislation has been named "Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED)," signifying hope for the progress of minorities. He criticized the opposition, including Shiv Sena (UBT), for their stance against the bill.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, who was a member of the JPC on the Waqf Bill, alleged that clause-by-clause discussions were not held in the committee until the very end. He also claimed a significant discrepancy between the government's promises and actions.

Important Points Highlighted:

• The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
• The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024, repealing the 1923 Act, was also approved.
• The government claims the bill aims for inclusive and secular Waqf Boards, not related to religious practice or Masjid management, and is prospective.
• Key provisions include representation of different Muslim sects and women on Waqf Boards.
• The government accused the opposition of misleading the public and alleged misuse of the previous Act during UPA rule.
• The opposition vehemently opposed the bill, calling it anti-constitutional, anti-minority, and a tool for political gain.
• The government defended the bill, stating it will bring transparency, prevent misuse of Waqf properties, and empower minorities.
• The legislation has been named "Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED)."

Summary:

The Lok Sabha has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024 amidst a contentious debate. The government presented the bills as necessary reforms to improve the management of Waqf properties, ensure inclusivity, and prevent misuse. However, the opposition strongly criticized the legislation, alleging it is anti-constitutional and intended to harm minorities for political purposes. The passage of these bills marks a significant development in the management of Waqf properties in India, with potential long-term implications for the Muslim community and the country's secular fabric.