On April 2, 2025, after 12 hours of intense debate, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Now, it’s in the Rajya Sabha, where it’s likely to sail through. First introduced on August 8, 2024, and reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), this bill updates the Waqf Act of 1995, which manages Waqf properties in India. The BJP says it’s about better administration, but the opposition calls it “unconstitutional” and “anti-Muslim.” So, what’s the fuss about?
In this blog, we’ll break down why the Waqf Bill is so controversial, the seven big changes it introduces, and what both sides are saying. Whether you’re curious or confused, we’ve got you covered with a clear, trustworthy guide.
What’s a Waqf, Anyway?
A Waqf is a donation—usually property—made byproduct Muslims for charity or religious purposes, like mosques, graveyards, or orphanages. Once it’s Waqf, it belongs to Allah forever and can’t be sold or taken back. In India, Waqf Boards oversee 8.72 lakh properties across 9.4 lakh acres. Fun fact: not all Muslim countries have Waqf—Turkey, Egypt, and Iraq skip it entirely.
The Waqf Bill aims to tighten control over these properties, but its changes have sparked a massive uproar. Let’s dive into the seven key updates and why they’re stirring the pot.
7 Major Changes in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
1. Non-Muslims Join Waqf Boards
- What’s New: The bill requires non-Muslims to serve on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.
- Why It Matters: These groups were always Muslim-only, tied to their religious role. Now, diversity is mandatory.
- Opposition Says: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) claims it’s meddling in religious freedom, possibly breaking India’s Constitution.
- Government Says: Home Minister Amit Shah insists non-Muslims will handle paperwork, not prayers, keeping faith untouched.
2. Government Officials Take Charge of Disputes
- What’s New: A senior state official (not the Waqf Tribunal) will now settle fights over whether a property is Waqf or government-owned.
- Why It Matters: This swaps a specialized panel for a government bigwig, aiming for quicker decisions.
- Opposition Says: AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi worries officials might favor the state, putting Waqf lands at risk.
- Government Says: Shah points to cases, like a Tamil Nadu temple claimed as Waqf, saying neutral oversight fixes old flaws.
3. Women Get Property Rights
- What’s New: Women must get their inheritance before a property becomes Waqf, with extra help for widows and orphans.
- Why It Matters: It stops families from skipping women’s shares, pushing fairness.
- Opposition Says: Not a huge issue, but some say it’ll be tough to enforce in traditional areas.
- Government Says: The BJP calls it a win for Muslim women, part of their “development for all” promise.
4. New Look for Waqf Tribunals
- What’s New: Tribunals will now include a district judge and a high-ranking state official, with appeals allowed in the High Court.
- Why It Matters: It adds legal muscle and a second chance to challenge rulings.
- Opposition Says: They fear less community input with government officials involved.
- Government Says: It’s about clarity and fairness, fixing slow, messy disputes.
5. All Properties Go Online
- What’s New: Every Waqf property must register on a central portal within six months, though tribunals can extend the deadline.
- Why It Matters: This brings digital tracking to a system full of paperless properties.
- Opposition Says: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi says six months isn’t enough—many are still unregistered after a decade.
- Government Says: Minister Kiren Rijiju argues it stops scams, joking even Parliament could’ve been claimed without it.
6. Five-Year Rule for Donors
- What’s New: You must practice Islam for five years before donating to Waqf.
- Why It Matters: It blocks newbies or fakers from giving property, keeping it legit.
- Opposition Says: They call it a random limit that might block sincere converts, clashing with religious freedom.
- Government Says: It’s a safeguard against fraud, ensuring true intent.
7. No More “Waqf by User”
- What’s New: Section 40, which let Waqf Boards claim land used long-term for religious purposes, is gone.
- Why It Matters: No more automatic Waqf tags without proof, ending loose claims.
- Opposition Says: Old mosques or graves without papers could lose status, hurting heritage.
- Government Says: Shah cites wild claims—like Delhi’s Lutyens’ Zone—saying it stops abuse.
Why’s Everyone Mad About the Waqf Bill?
The opposition—Congress, AIMIM, DMK, and more—says the bill’s a disaster. Here’s why:
- Religious Overreach: Non-Muslims in Waqf bodies and donor limits feel like an attack on Muslim rights.
- Too Much Government: Giving officials power over disputes smells like a takeover.
- Bias Risk: They fear state officials will side against Waqf, shrinking its land.
- Heritage Loss: Scrapping Section 40 could erase undocumented holy sites.
Owaisi even ripped up the bill in Parliament, channeling Gandhi’s defiance. The DMK plans a Supreme Court fight, claiming it’s unfair to Muslims.
The Government’s Case: Why It’s Needed
The BJP and NDA say the bill fixes a broken system. Shah blames past loopholes for Waqf grabbing government and temple lands, like a 400-year-old Tamil Nadu temple. Rijiju warns that without change, even Parliament could’ve been claimed. They argue it’s about transparency and helping poor Muslims, not targeting them.
What Happens Next?
With the BJP strong in the Rajya Sabha, the bill is almost law. But expect more protests, court battles, and noise. It’s a test of balancing reform with respect for faith in India’s diverse fabric.
Wrapping Up
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, shakes things up with seven bold moves: non-Muslim members, government dispute power, women’s rights, revamped tribunals, online registration, donor rules, and no more “Waqf by user.” The opposition sees it as an attack on Muslims; the government calls it a cleanup. Who’s right? You decide.
Got thoughts? Drop them below, and keep an eye out as this saga unfolds.
It amends the 1995 Waqf Act to regulate Waqf properties better.
Author Section
by Mirror Now Team
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