Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill passed in Parliament

April 4, 2025: The Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, today early morning with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod after a marathon debate session with 128 votes for it and 98 against it. The Lok Sabha had cleared the Bill on April 3, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post said, “The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed movement in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.”

Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has been introduced to improve transparency and fairness in Waqf administration. The key reforms include:

•   Ending arbitrary property claims – Section 40, which allowed Waqf Boards to unilaterally declare any property as Waqf, has been removed.
•   Digitisation of records – Waqf properties will now be documented digitally to prevent illegal claims and improve tracking.
•   Strengthening dispute resolution – Waqf Tribunals will be given more authority to resolve property disputes efficiently.
•   Ensuring accountability – Non-Muslim members will now be included in Waqf Boards to promote fairer decision-making.

According to an official press note by the government, “The Waqf system in India is primarily about property management, not religion. The government and courts have repeatedly emphasised that Waqf administration is a secular function. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a crucial step in resolving issues of mismanagement, illegal claims and lack of transparency. By introducing legal oversight, digitisation, and accountability, the bill ensures that Waqf properties serve their intended purpose for the public good while protecting the rights of all citizens.”