Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill After Heated 12-Hour Debate

New Delhi, April 3, 2025: The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after a marathon 12-hour debate. The bill, aimed at reforming the management of Waqf properties, was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) defended the bill as a step toward transparency and inclusivity, while the opposition criticized it as an attack on minority rights.

The debate witnessed fiery exchanges between the government and opposition members. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill, emphasizing that it seeks to address inefficiencies in the current Waqf Act of 1995. Opposition leaders alleged that the bill undermines constitutional rights.

Key Provisions of the Waqf Bill

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduces significant changes to improve the administration of Waqf properties. Some of the major provisions include:

• Strengthening Waqf tribunals for faster dispute resolution.
• Reducing mandatory contributions from Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%.
• Introducing a centralized portal for managing Waqf properties to enhance transparency.
• Ensuring women receive their rightful inheritance before any property is declared as Waqf.
• Allowing non-Muslim members on central and state Waqf boards to promote inclusivity.
• Mandating audits for Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh annually.

The bill also aims to streamline processes by integrating technology and updating outdated regulations. It restores pre-2013 rules, allowing only practicing Muslims with five years of ownership to dedicate property to Waqf.

Support and Opposition

The passage of the Waqf Bill showcased sharp political divides. Here is how different parties responded:

Supporters

• The BJP and its allies strongly backed the bill, claiming it would benefit poor Muslims and improve governance.
• Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that “crores of poor Muslims will thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi” for this legislation.
• Supporters argued that the bill addresses corruption and inefficiencies in managing Waqf properties.

Opponents

• Congress and other opposition parties called the bill “anti-Muslim” and accused the government of attacking federalism.
• Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the bill defames and divides society.
• Critics also claimed that certain provisions could lead to misuse by authorities.

Despite opposition resistance, BJP secured enough votes with support from its “secular” allies. The bill is now set to be debated in the Rajya Sabha, where eight hours have been allocated for discussion.

Highlights from the Debate

• Home Minister Amit Shah accused opposition parties of using earlier amendments for vote-bank politics. He declared, “We have decided to cancel it.”
• Rijiju dismissed claims that the bill interferes with religious practices, stating it focuses solely on property management.
• The opposition proposed several amendments, all of which were rejected through voice votes.

Voting Breakdown

Significance of the Bill

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is part of a series of reforms by the NDA government targeting issues related to minority communities. It follows earlier measures such as criminalizing triple talaq and enacting a Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand. The government claims these steps aim to modernize laws while ensuring inclusivity.

Key benefits highlighted by supporters include:

• Enhanced transparency in managing over 6 lakh registered Waqf properties in India.
• Improved representation for women and non-Muslims on Waqf boards.
• Faster resolution of disputes through restructured tribunals.

However, critics argue that these changes could centralize power, potentially leading to misuse.

Conclusion

The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill marks a significant moment in Indian politics. While supporters hail it as a progressive reform, opponents see it as a threat to constitutional rights. As the bill moves to Rajya Sabha for further debate, its implications will continue to spark discussions across political and social spheres.

Also Read: Waqf Bill Sparks Heated Debate in Parliament