Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best
Parliament Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha Grants Approval
In a significant development on the legislative front, the Parliament of India has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following its approval by the Rajya Sabha. The bill, which was previously cleared by the Lok Sabha, now awaits the President’s assent to become law. Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best The amendment brings notable changes to the existing Waqf Act of 1995, aimed at improving the administration and governance of waqf properties across the country.
This legislative move has generated intense debate and discussion among political parties, legal experts, religious groups, and civil society organizations. Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best With sweeping implications for the management of Muslim endowments (waqf properties), the bill has been hailed by some as a step toward greater transparency and criticized by others as an attempt to centralize control.
Background: What is the Waqf Act?
The Waqf Act, 1995 governs the administration of waqf properties in India. A waqf is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable property by a Muslim for religious, Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best pious, or charitable purposes. These properties are overseen by Waqf Boards at both the state and national levels.
The Act provides for the establishment of:
- Central Waqf Council
- State Waqf Boards
- Mechanisms for managing waqf properties
- Provisions for audit, inquiry, and recovery of misused properties
Over the years, Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best the Act has been amended multiple times to improve regulatory mechanisms and address emerging issues.
What Does the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Propose?
The 2025 amendment seeks to make the functioning of Waqf Boards more efficient, curb mismanagement, and ensure accountability. Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best The key provisions include:
1. Digitization and Inventory of Waqf Properties
- Mandatory digitization of all waqf properties
- Creation of a centralized National Waqf Property Register
- Integration with state land records to prevent encroachment and illegal sale
2. Enhanced Powers of the Central Waqf Council
- The Council will have powers to issue binding directions to State Waqf Boards
- It can conduct audits and recommend disciplinary action
3. Appointment and Removal of Board Members
- Introduction of stricter eligibility criteria
- Provision for removal on grounds of corruption, negligence, or misuse of office
4. Time-Bound Disposal of Cases
- All disputes regarding waqf properties to be resolved within 6 months by Waqf Tribunals
- Appeals to be limited to High Courts, with strict timelines for disposal
5. Public Disclosure and Transparency
- Annual reports to be tabled in Parliament and state legislatures
- Financial audits to be mandatory and publicly accessible
Debate in Parliament: Arguments For and Against
The passage of the bill saw passionate arguments from both sides of the political spectrum.
Support for the Bill
The government and supporting members argued:
- The bill would bring transparency and modernization to waqf property administration
- It would prevent encroachment and illegal sale of waqf lands, some of which are valued at thousands of crores
- Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best
- Strengthening Central oversight ensures uniformity and accountability
Opposition Criticism
Several opposition parties and Muslim organizations raised concerns:
- Fear of centralization and undermining of State Waqf Boards
- Potential for political misuse of Central Waqf Council’s powers
- Lack of adequate consultation with stakeholders
- Some claimed it might lead to alienation of the Muslim community
Statements from Lawmakers and Ministers
Union Minister of Minority Affairs:
“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a bold and necessary reform. Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best It safeguards the interests of the community and ensures that religious endowments serve their intended purposes.”
Opposition Leader in Rajya Sabha:
“This bill erodes federalism. Waqf properties are a state subject, and giving sweeping powers to the Centre is unacceptable.”
Reactions from the Muslim Community
Muslim clerics, scholars, and civil rights groups have responded with mixed emotions:
- Supportive voices welcomed digitization and accountability, especially in light of past scandals involving misappropriation.
- Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 as Rajya Sabha grants approval 2025 best
- Critics warned against bureaucratic overreach and demanded clarity on the implementation mechanisms.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has sought time to review the provisions and requested community consultations before enactment.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts see both promise and pitfalls:
- Transparency advocates lauded the digitization initiative as a game-changer.
- Constitutional scholars raised concerns over potential conflicts with Article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs).
- Questions remain on judicial review mechanisms, and whether tribunals will have enough capacity.
Implications for the Future
If effectively implemented, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 could revolutionize the management of waqf properties:
✅ Efficient dispute resolution and improved financial accountability
✅ Higher revenue generation from waqf assets through lawful use
✅ Better utilization for schools, hospitals, and welfare projects in the community
However, the concerns over centralization, autonomy, and minority consultation will continue to shape the discourse.
Next Steps
With both Houses of Parliament having passed the bill, the final step is presidential assent. Once signed, the Ministry of Minority Affairs will draft rules and guidelines for implementation.
Pilot projects for digitization are expected to begin in states with large waqf land holdings such as:
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Waqf Reform
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 represents one of the most comprehensive reforms of religious endowment governance in India. It has ignited essential debates around transparency, federalism, and minority rights. As the country awaits its enactment and implementation, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether these reforms empower the community or create new complexities.
What remains certain is this: the conversation around waqf reform has just begun.
