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Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has reintroduced the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on April 2. The Bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, was passed after a marathon 12-hour debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against. According to the government, these amendments aim to improve transparency, enhance efficiency, and reduce disputes over Waqf properties. The government argues that these amendments aim to improve administration and reduce disputes. However, the Bill has sparked controversy, with opposition leaders questioning its intent and calling it “anti-Muslim.”
What is Waqf?
Waqf refers to the permanent and irrevocable dedication of property for religious or charitable purposes under Muslim law. Once designated as Waqf, a property no longer belongs to the individual who donates it; instead, its ownership is transferred to God. A caretaker, known as a Mutawalli, manages the property on behalf of the community.
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What are Waqf Properties?
State-level Waqf Boards manage Waqf properties, including religious sites such as mosques, Eidgahs, dargahs, khanqahs, imambaras, and graveyards. These boards have the legal authority to oversee them. Importantly, no one can sell or permanently lease these properties.
Historical Background
The concept of Waqf in India dates back to the Delhi Sultanate when Sultan Muizuddin Sam Ghaor dedicated two villages to the Jama Masjid of Multan. Over the centuries, the number of Waqf properties expanded significantly. Today, India has the largest Waqf holdings in the world, with Waqf properties covering approximately 9.4 lakh acres across India, valued at ₹1.2 lakh crore.
Why Amend the Law?
The government highlights several challenges with the current system:
Irrevocability – Once designated, a property remains so permanently, leading to ownership and usage disputes.
Litigation and mismanagement – Many properties are involved in prolonged legal battles.
Lack of judicial oversight – No robust mechanism exists to ensure fairness in property decisions.
Survey Inconsistencies – Many properties are poorly documented or misrepresented.
Misuse of authority – Some Mutawallis misuse their power, leading to corruption and inefficiency.
Constitutional concerns – The unchecked power of management boards raises constitutional questions.
The government believes that these amendments will enhance governance, increase transparency, and streamline Waqf property management.
Key Amendments in the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces several major changes:
- Abolition of Section 40 – Boards can no longer unilaterally declare any land as Waqf property. Previously, Section 40 allowed Boards to claim land as Waqf based on historical records or religious usage, leading to disputes.
- Appeal Mechanism for Tribunal Decisions – Under the new provisions, decisions of Tribunals will no longer be final. Affected parties can now appeal to a High Court within 90 days.
- Enhanced Oversight and Transparency – The bill aims to strengthen Waqf management by introducing better documentation and digital tracking of properties.
- Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Boards – The bill proposes the appointment of a non-Muslim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and at least two non-Muslim members in Boards to improve administrative efficiency.
- Modification of ‘Waqf by User’ Clause – Earlier, properties used for religious purposes over a long period could be declared Waqf. The new bill limits this rule to future cases only, ensuring already registered Waqf properties remain protected unless legally disputed.
- Renaming of the Bill – The revised version is now called the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill.
Opposition to the Bill
The bill has been met with fierce opposition from various political parties and community leaders:
- AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has accused the government of trying to weaken governance and reduce the Muslim community’s control over its religious properties.
- Concerns over autonomy – Critics argue that appointing non-Muslims in Boards undermines the community’s right to manage its own affairs.
- Allegations of land takeover – Some Opposition leaders claim that the bill gives the government excessive power to seize mosques, dargahs, and graveyards.
Lok Sabha Debate and Passage of the Bill
The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025, after a 12-hour marathon debate. The final vote tally stood at 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The ruling NDA defended the bill as a necessary reform, while the Opposition labeled it “anti-Muslim” and a threat to religious freedoms.
Home Minister Amit Shah presented government data showing a rapid increase in Waqf land ownership:
- From 1913 to 2013, properties covered 18 lakh acres.
- From 2013 to 2025, an additional 21 lakh acres were added, making the total 39 lakh acres.
Shah argued that unchecked expansion justified the need for better regulations.
Opposition’s Stand
Opposition parties, led by the INDIA bloc, strongly opposed the bill, arguing that:
- It unfairly targets the Muslim community.
- It restricts the autonomy of Boards.
- The government is misusing legal provisions to take control of religious properties.
Despite these concerns, all amendments proposed by the Opposition were rejected by a voice vote.
Next Steps: Rajya Sabha Debate
After passing in the Lok Sabha, the bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha, where lawmakers expect another intense debate. The government has allocated eight hours for discussions in the Upper House. Given the strong reactions in the Lok Sabha, officials anticipate a heated exchange.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has ignited significant political debate. The government maintains that it will improve governance, prevent mismanagement, and reduce litigation over properties. However, critics see it as an attempt to limit the Muslim community’s control over its religious assets. As the bill heads to the Rajya Sabha, its final outcome will determine the future of Waqf property management in India.