GUWAHATI: The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the early hours of Friday, April 4 following a 14-hour-long debate. The Bill was cleared with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The Lok Sabha had already approved the legislation on Thursday, April 3.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to his X, stating about the bill, “Today is a historic day, when the Parliament has approved the 'Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025', ending the era of years of injustice and corruption and ushering in an era of justice and equality. Through this bill, the Waqf Board and Waqf properties are going to be more accountable, transparent and equitable. This will definitely benefit the poor, women and children of the Muslim community.”
आज एक ऐतिहासिक दिन है, जब संसद ने 'वक्फ (संशोधन) विधेयक, 2025' को स्वीकृति देकर वर्षों से चले आ रहे अन्याय और भ्रष्टाचार के युग का अंत किया है और न्याय व समानता के युग की शुरुआत की है।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 4, 2025
इस विधेयक के माध्यम से वक्फ बोर्ड और वक्फ संपत्तियाँ अधिक जवाबदेह, पारदर्शी और न्यायसंगत होने…
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill would benefit poor Muslims and that the legislation does not interfere with Waqf properties. He stated that suggestions from the Joint Parliamentary Committee were included and noted that the Central Waqf Council would include 22 members, with a maximum of four non-Muslims.
The Bill seeks to reform the administration of Waqf properties by improving transparency, strengthening coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities, and protecting the rights of stakeholders. It includes provisions to safeguard heritage sites, promote social welfare, and enhance the economic and social status of Muslim women, including widows and divorced women. The Bill also proposes broader representation from different Muslim sects in the Waqf Board.
Opposition parties strongly criticised the Bill. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain said it was aimed at communal polarisation, while DMK’s Tiruchi Siva and TMC’s Mohammad Nadimul Haque called it anti-secular and unconstitutional. RJD’s Manoj Jha questioned both the intent and content of the legislation.
Union Minister JP Nadda supported the Bill, citing the need for reforms. BJP’s Radha Mohan Das and JD(S) leader HD Devegowda welcomed the legislation, highlighting past misuse of Waqf assets.
