Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 Passed in Rajya Sabha; Now Awaits President’s Approval Amid Controversy

On Friday morning, the Rajya Sabha approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following a 12-hour debate. The bill was passed with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, after a lengthy session that stretched into the early hours of Friday. The Lok Sabha had already passed the bill a day earlier with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who moved the bill in the Rajya Sabha, said, “The government has strengthened mechanisms in this bill, including tribunals, to ensure better management of Waqf properties. This will benefit millions of people, especially in the Muslim community.”

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties by strengthening the role of tribunals and introducing a structured selection process. Under the bill, Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors. The bill also proposes setting up a central portal to automate Waqf property management, which will improve transparency.

“We have reduced the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%. This will make the process more efficient,” Rijiju explained.

However, the bill faced criticism from several opposition leaders. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, accused the government of using the bill to “suppress Muslims” and “create conflict.” He said, “The bill is unconstitutional and will harm the Muslim community. The government wants to take away Muslim land and hand it over to its corporate allies.”

BJP leader JP Nadda responded by accusing the Congress of neglecting Muslim women during its time in power. “The Modi government has brought Muslim women into the mainstream by banning triple talaq,” Nadda said.

Other opposition members, including Fouzia Khan of the Nationalist Congress Party, also voiced their concerns. Khan said, “We will continue to protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. It’s a setback for the Muslim community.”

Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, also criticized the bill, stating, “This bill is against the interests of Muslims. We are considering approaching the Supreme Court for its review.”

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, now awaits the President’s approval. It also includes provisions for women to receive their inheritance before a Waqf declaration, with special measures for widows, divorced women, and orphans. Additionally, the bill proposes the inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf boards.