The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the early hours of Thursday after an intense 12-hour debate. The opposition strongly criticized the Bill, accusing the government of interfering in Muslim religious affairs, while the ruling party firmly rejected these claims. The Bill aims to introduce significant reforms in the management of Waqf properties and was passed after all opposition-proposed amendments were rejected. The final division of votes saw 288 in favor and 232 against, and the Bill has now been sent to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion.

One of the key changes in the Bill is the removal of the concept of ‘Waqf by User’, meaning that land cannot be classified as Waqf property solely because it has been used for religious purposes over time. Only land that has been officially declared or endowed as Waqf will now be recognized. The Bill also introduces new donor requirements, mandating that individuals dedicating land for Waqf must have been practicing Muslims for at least five years. Additionally, it ensures that women’s inheritance rights within Waqf properties cannot be denied.

A major clarification brought by the Bill concerns government-owned land, which, under the 1995 Waqf Act, lacked clear regulations regarding its status as Waqf. The amendment specifies that if government land was mistakenly recorded as Waqf, it will no longer be considered as such. Disputes related to such land will now be handled under state revenue laws, with the District Collector being the final authority instead of the Waqf Board. Furthermore, the authority of the Waqf Board to determine Waqf status has been removed, and state-appointed officials will now oversee the declaration and management of Waqf properties.

The Bill also introduces changes to Waqf land surveys, shifting responsibility from Survey Commissioners to the District Collector, ensuring alignment between Waqf land records and state revenue records. Additionally, it modifies the structure of the Central Waqf Council, allowing two non-Muslim members to be part of the Council, which was previously composed entirely of Muslims. At least two Muslim women must still be included. The State Waqf Boards will also see changes, as members will now be nominated by the state government instead of being elected from Muslim MPs, MLAs, or Bar Council members. The board will include two non-Muslims, along with representatives from various Muslim communities, ensuring at least two Muslim women members. Another key modification involves the Waqf Tribunal, which will no longer require a Muslim law expert. Instead, a District Court judge will lead the tribunal, with a state government joint secretary as a member.

The Bill faced strong opposition from political parties, including Congress, the Samajwadi Party, and several Muslim organizations. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi criticized the amendment, claiming that it seeks to dilute constitutional rights, marginalize minorities, and divide Indian society. He also questioned the requirement for donors to have practiced Islam for five years, asking why religious certification was necessary. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the Bill as an attack on the Constitution by the RSS and BJP, warning that it sets a precedent for targeting other religious communities in the future. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) also rejected the Bill, calling it a “black law” and announcing plans to challenge it in court.

The BJP-led government, however, firmly defended the Bill, asserting that it does not interfere with religious practices or institutions. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju argued that the 1995 Waqf Act gave Waqf overriding authority over other laws, making these amendments necessary. He also emphasized that the Bill protects women’s inheritance rights within Waqf properties.

Home Minister Amit Shah also dismissed opposition concerns, stating that the Bill ensures landowners’ rights by preventing arbitrary Waqf declarations. He clarified that tribal lands, ASI-protected sites, and private properties would be safeguarded, and only legal ownership would determine whether a property could be donated to Waqf. The government further stressed that the Bill would enhance transparency, making Waqf property records more accessible to the public. With the Bill now passed in the Lok Sabha, it will move to the Rajya Sabha for further deliberation.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.