By The Sampadak Express
In the early hours of Thursday, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after a marathon 12-hour debate. The bill, which has sparked significant controversy, was approved with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, following the rejection of all opposition amendments via voice votes.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to reform the management of Waqf properties and streamline dispute resolution.
Key provisions include:
1. Strengthening Waqf tribunals and implementing a structured selection process.
2. Reducing the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%.
3. Introducing audits for Waqf institutions with earnings exceeding Rs 1 lakh.
4. A centralized portal to automate Waqf property management for better transparency.
5. Restoring pre-2013 rules, allowing practicing Muslims to dedicate property to the Waqf after five years.
6. Ensuring women’s inheritance rights are respected before any Waqf declaration, with provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.
7. Appointing non-Muslim members to Waqf boards to promote inclusivity.
8. Investigations into government properties claimed as Waqf by officers above the rank of collector.
Government Supporters Defend the Bill
Several government leaders defended the bill during the debate. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the bill would not interfere with the rights of Muslims and would not discriminate between religions. He stressed that the amendments were necessary to correct the legal framework established by the previous UPA government.
Kiren Rijiju, Union Law Minister, countered opposition claims, stating that the bill was not about interfering with religious rights but addressing legal gaps, particularly those created by past legislation. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed opposition claims about the bill’s unconstitutionality, arguing it would empower women and marginalized Muslims.
JDU leader Lalan Singh also rejected accusations of secularism being compromised, asserting that the bill would benefit minorities without causing division.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition leaders strongly opposed the bill, calling it an attack on India’s constitutional and federal framework. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi warned that the bill would exacerbate divisions in society, dilute constitutional principles, and target minority communities, specifically Muslims. He predicted increased litigation and more issues for the Waqf system.
DMK’s A Raja criticized the government’s intent, accusing them of using the bill to undermine minority rights while claiming to protect them. He argued that the bill was a step towards eroding the secular fabric of India.
Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party described the bill as a conspiracy to seize the lands and properties of millions, suggesting it would backfire on the BJP. Kanimozhi of the DMK reiterated that the opposition alliance, INDIA, would stand united in opposing the bill.
Despite the vocal opposition, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has now been passed, with the government asserting that it is a necessary reform to enhance transparency and efficiency in managing Waqf properties. The debate, however, reflects ongoing tensions over minority rights and the government’s approach to secularism in India.
