With President’s Nod, Waqf (Amendment) Bill Now Law
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, officially enacting it into law after its passage in both houses of Parliament. The bill, which seeks to reform the governance of Waqf properties, has sparked nationwide political and legal debates, with opposition parties challenging its constitutional validity in the Supreme Court.
Passed after intense debates in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the bill secured 288 votes in favour and 232 against in the lower house, and 128 votes to 95 in the upper house. Introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the legislation aims to enhance transparency and end misuse of Waqf properties through a more inclusive and technology-driven system.
Rijiju defended the bill, stating it would not affect Muslim religious practices but rather promote fairness. “The Waqf Board is a statutory body. Why should it not include non-Muslims when disputes involve them?” he questioned, stressing the need for secular functioning of Waqf Boards.
However, the opposition remains unconvinced. Congress MP Rajiv Shukla claimed the bill was being “forcefully pushed through”, citing the resignation of JD(U) leader Mohammed Kasim Ansari as evidence of dissent within the NDA. Party colleague Pramod Tiwari alleged that the bill was a political distraction and vowed its repeal if Congress returns to power. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge warned that the bill would “sow communal divisions”, accusing the government of bypassing constitutional safeguards.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi voiced strong criticism in the Lok Sabha, arguing that the law violates Article 26 of the Constitution and discriminates against Muslims. He noted that while protections are provided to ancient temples, similar measures for mosques are absent. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, and Owaisi have filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court, labelling the bill a “blatant violation of fundamental rights”.
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal accused the government of continuing a trend of targeting Muslims. “Since 2014, the discourse has moved from Love Jihad to flood jihad, and now this,” he said. He also criticised the cap on female representation in Waqf Boards.
Amidst widespread opposition, the bill found support from former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda, who praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for protecting community-donated properties worth ₹1.2 lakh crore from alleged misuse. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi framed the bill as a “balancing act” and labelled it “UMEED”—a symbol of hope—while accusing critics of pushing divisive ideologies.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed claims of the bill being anti-Muslim, asserting that the opposition was misleading people for political gains. “This bill neither interferes with religious practices nor touches donated properties,” he said.
Outside Parliament, the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced nationwide protests, terming the new law discriminatory and pledging to launch campaigns to counter “misinformation”.
