Waqf Amendment Bill / Waqf Amendment Act 2025- Bill introduced in Parliament amid heated debate

Waqf Amendment Bill: The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 was introduced in Parliament on Wednesday, which has intensified political stir in the country. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha, to which the opposition lodged strong protests. The ruling party accused the opposition parties of doing appeasement politics, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified the difference between Waqf and Waqf Board.

Difference between Waqf and Waqf Board

Waqf is an Islamic legal concept in which a property is permanently dedicated for charitable, social or family use. This property is donated to mosques, madrasas, cemeteries, orphanages or to help the poor. Once a property is dedicated as Waqf, it cannot be sold or transferred for private use.

At the same time, the Waqf Board is a government or semi-government body set up to manage and regulate Waqf properties. Waqf boards in India operate at the state level and are constituted under the Waqf Act. The Waqf Board keeps records of Waqf properties and ensures that they are not misused.

Ruling party and opposition face to face over the bill

Opposition parties strongly opposed this bill and termed it as government interference in religious matters. The opposition says that this bill will hinder the religious freedom of Muslims and is an attempt to establish control over their properties. On the other hand, the ruling party accused the opposition of provoking a particular community only to serve their political interests.

Home Minister Amit Shah made it clear in his address that Waqf is religious, but Waqf Board and Waqf Council are not religious institutions. He also said that this bill has been brought to prevent misuse of Waqf properties. Shah accused the opposition of doing politics on this issue and trying to divide the country.

What are the main provisions of the new bill?

Strict management of Waqf properties: According to the bill, new provisions will be added to prevent irregular leasing or misuse of Waqf properties.

No role for non-Muslims: The government clarified that non-Muslims will have no role in religious matters, but Waqf Board and Waqf Council are administrative bodies, in which there will be no discrimination on the basis of religion.

Monitoring of Waqf properties: The monitoring mechanism will be strengthened to ensure transparency and proper management of Waqf properties.

Crackdown on corruption: Strict action will be taken against those who will be involved in leasing out Waqf properties at throwaway prices.

Political and social impact

The bill has evoked various reactions in the country. Some sections of the Muslim community have supported it calling it a necessary reform, while some organizations have opposed it calling it religious interference. From a political point of view, this bill can become an important issue in the next elections.

The government claims that this bill will protect Waqf properties and prevent their misuse, while the opposition considers it an attack on the rights of the Muslim community. Now it remains to be seen whether this bill is passed in Parliament or not and how widespread its political and social impact will be.