Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Friday stated that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 could be ruled "unconstitutional" by the judiciary if legally challenged. Singhvi criticized the government for allegedly using its majority to push the bill through, saying it was imposed unfairly. "If challenged, there’s a strong possibility that the judiciary will strike it down," he warned.

DMK MP M M Abdulla called the passage of the bill a “black day” for democracy and minority rights. He emphasized solidarity with the affected communities and said that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had already decided to approach the courts over the matter. SP MP Ramji Lal Suman echoed concerns, alleging that the government's intentions behind the bill were questionable and that it passed only because of their numerical strength.

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was passed in Parliament early Friday morning after an intense, prolonged debate. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the results: 128 members in favor, 95 against, and none absent. Parliament also cleared the 'Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024,' with the House working past midnight to finalize both legislations.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation. He claimed the bill would benefit millions within the Muslim community. Rijiju also mentioned that several suggestions from the Joint Parliamentary Committee had been incorporated into the revised version.

The Lok Sabha passed the bill late Wednesday night after a marathon session. Rijiju announced that the legislation would be renamed the UMEED Bill—Unified Waqf Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development. The amended bill seeks to improve the governance of waqf properties across India, addressing flaws in the 1995 Act. It aims to enhance board efficiency, streamline registration processes, and introduce technology for better record management.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.