The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after an intense 12-hour debate, with 288 votes in favour and 232 against. The bill, introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in Waqf property management.
Key provisions include replacing the Survey Commissioner with the District Collector for property surveys, mandating representation of women and non-Muslims on Waqf boards, and removing the “Waqf by user” provision.
While the government defended the bill as a modernisation effort, opposition parties criticised it as unconstitutional and discriminatory. The bill now awaits deliberation in the Rajya Sabha.
Key Developments in Lok Sabha
- Extended Debate: The Lok Sabha debated the bill for over 12 hours, exceeding the allocated eight hours.
- Voting Outcome: The bill was passed with 288 votes in favour and 232 against.
- Major Provisions:
- Replacing the Survey Commissioner with the District Collector for Waqf property surveys.
- Mandating representation of women and non-Muslims on Waqf boards.
- Eliminating the “Waqf by user” provision to prevent arbitrary claims on properties.
- Empowering District Collectors to arbitrate disputes over Waqf properties and submit reports to state governments.
- Allowing appeals against Waqf Tribunal decisions directly in High Courts.
- Government’s Defence: Union Minister Rijiju assured that the bill modernises property management without interfering with religious practices, while Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that it does not apply retrospectively.
Background: Revisiting Waqf Governance
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduces significant changes to the 1995 Act, aiming to curb misuse of arbitrary powers by Waqf Boards and ensure better governance. The removal of “Waqf by user” provisions addresses concerns over unverified claims on properties, such as disputes like Tamil Nadu’s Thiruchendurai village case, where an entire village was claimed as Waqf land without proper documentation.
Additionally, replacing the Survey Commissioner with District Collectors aims to streamline property evaluation processes under government oversight.
The bill also mandates new verification processes for all properties claimed by Waqf Boards and introduces audits by government-appointed officers to ensure transparency. Critics argue that removing experts in Muslim law from Waqf Tribunals may hinder dispute resolution based on Islamic jurisprudence.
Empowering Inclusivity and Accountability
The legislation incorporates measures to make Waqf boards more inclusive, including mandatory representation of women and non-Muslims at both state and central levels.
It also safeguards inheritance rights in family Waqfs (Waqf Alal Aulad), ensuring female heirs receive their rightful share before properties are dedicated as Waqf. Separate boards for sects like Shias and Bohras have been proposed to address their distinct needs.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill highlights the importance of balancing reform with inclusivity and fairness. While measures to improve transparency are welcome, concerns about minority rights must be addressed through constructive dialogue during Rajya Sabha deliberations.
The Logical Indian believes that any legislation impacting religious communities should foster trust rather than division. What do you think? Will this bill lead to better governance or deepen societal divides? Share your thoughts below!
